Press Release

Oliver: Significant Concerns at Ancora will Require Significant Efforts to Correct

Release Date: Feb 28 2008

Assembly Democrats News Release

OLIVER: SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS AT ANCORA WILL REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT EFFORTS TO CORRECT

(TRENTON) - Following a hearing on the concerns over the health, safety, and oversight of patients and employees at New Jersey's largest mental institution - Ancora Psychiatric Hospital - Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex), chairwoman of the Assembly Human Services Committee, issued the following statement:

"The problems facing Ancora Hospital are symptomatic of a facility and system that has not seen significant upgrades in over half a century.

"There appear to be serious problems with safety and supervision of both patients and staff that must be addressed, for fear that conditions at the hospital will continue to deteriorate.

"The good news is that there appears to be a core segment of staff at all levels that are ready and willing to make the necessary changes.

"We owe it to Ancora's patients and their families to take immediate corrective action to ensure the safety and welfare of some of our state's most vulnerable residents."

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Contact:

Assemblywoman Oliver
(973) 395-1166
James Sverapa IV
(609) 292-7065