Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital among Christie Cuts

By Sarah M. Wojcik
March 16, 2010, 3:29PM

The sweeping budget cuts announced by Gov. Chris Christie during this afternoon's budget address include the closure of state-run Sen. Garrett W. Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Lebanon Township.

According to a budget summary released from the governor's office, the administration hopes to save $7.6 million by shuttering the facility.

Workers learned of the 288-bed psychiatric facility's closure this morning, according to AFSCME Union President Diane Cameron. The more than 100-year-old hospital will shut its doors at the end of June 2011, Cameron said.

Officials said 100 of the hospital's patients will be discharged and another 185 will be sent to other facilities around the state, according to Cameron.

"We enjoy our patients here and we're saddened to see it close," Cameron said.

It was not immediately clear what options were available for the hospital's workers, Cameron said. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) represents about 320 of the hospitals' nearly 600 employees, Cameron said.

Hmmm... This could get interesting!

Wow this is great news! There is already a section that has been abandoned for years, and we were supposed to go, but never did. Thanks for the post Riada!

You're welcome, ABNJ!

do you have any idea when its going to be closed?

According to the article, they said it would be closing in June 2011.

Damn thats another year atleast, oh well something to look forward to document.

Thanks!