The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and Eastern State Hospital (ESH) extend thanks to members of the Spokane Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff for their assistance in locating a patient who escaped from Eastern State Hospital on Thursday evening. Law enforcement was notified once the patient was discovered missing and they responded immediately.
“We are grateful for the partnership and support provided by local law enforcement and our local community,” said Dorothy Sawyer, Chief Executive Officer for the 317-bed hospital. “We are always working together to find a balance in operating a psychiatric hospital and providing treatment for mental illness for our clients while keeping the community, staff and patients safe.”
A full investigation is underway to determine how the patient was able to escape. Once the investigation is complete, the hospital will determine what changes or improvements are necessary.
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