Advisory panel stops downsizing of Eastern State Hospital

(Tulsa-AP) -- An advisory panel overseeing the downsizing of Eastern State Hospital has stopped the process of moving patients out of the Vinita facility.

Members of the panel say more time and money is need to provide proper care for patients being moved to community health centers.

Under legislation passed last year, Eastern State is to move 146 non-criminal patients and reduce its number of patients to 40 by January 1, 2001.

Panel member Mary Taddiken says services needed by the hospital's patients are not available in the area.

She's hoping the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will consider leasing more hospital beds and opening more outpatient services.