Norristown State Hospital To Close Civil Section

NORRISTOWN, PA -- Norristown State Hospital's civil unit will shut down over the next two years, the state's Department of Human Services announced Wednesday.

The move is aimed at "helping more people live in the community," according to Secretary Ted Dallas. While there had been no direct rumors about the closure leading up to the announcement Wednesday, the Wolf administration has repeatedly state a focus on helping individuals with disabilities reduce reliance on institutional care.

“Individuals experience a better quality of life when they receive care and support in their homes and in their communities, when possible,” Dallas said in a statement. “Today’s announcement means we are expanding opportunities for residents to live their lives to the fullest by returning to their homes and communities as contributing members of society.”

The campus will continue to serve as a transition place for those in forensic care.

The state hospital population across the state has decreased by 70 percent in the last two decades, the state said. Norristown's civil unit currently serves 122 patients. Some of the civil beds will be repurposed for forensic patients, the state said. Officials hope the change will improve care for those individuals.

All patients leaving the civil unit will undergo a series of assessments so that officials can determine their future need for services, according to officials.

The Hamburg State Center in Berks County will also shut down.

DHS will hold a public hearing at the Norristown Hospital, Building 33, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. It is located at 1001 Sterigere St. The public is invited; all wishing to submit comments should register by contacting Helen Brennan at 610.313.1014 or hbrennan@pa.gov.

Patch file photo.