AUGUSTA — Workers at Riverview Psychiatric Center are being asked to share their concerns about the operation of the state facility with members of Augusta’s legislative delegation.

Riverview, which houses people committed through the state’s criminal and civil system, has been the scene of a number of assaults by patients on staff members. Patients also have been convicted of damaging hospital property.

Riverview Psychiatric Center workers are invited to attend a meeting Tuesday to share their concerns about the hospital. Staff file photo by Joe Phelan

The forum is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Randall Student Fireside Lounge on the campus of the University of Maine at Augusta. Its purpose is to listen to staff concerns and perspectives about the operation of the state psychiatric facility.

“There is a fair amount of conflicting information out there about staffing problems,” Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, said in a news release. “My colleagues and I want to hear directly from employees about what is happening inside the walls. Do employees feel safe? Has security for patients and staff improved? Are workers getting adequate training? How bad is the situation around mandated overtime? These are all questions we are hoping to get answered.”

Other members of the Augusta delegation participating in the meeting are Republican Rep. Matt Pouliot, Democratic Rep. Donna Doore and Democratic Rep. Lori Fowle, who represents part of Augusta as well as all of Vassalboro.

“We are hoping that many Riverview employees will turn out and give us their candid perspectives,” Katz said in the announcement. “We all have the same goal: a facility which provides excellent treatment for its clients and a safe and rewarding work environment for our dedicated employees. The more information we have, the better we – as policymakers – are able to do our jobs. We intend to share the information we gather with Commissioner (Mary) Mayhew and the legislative committees of jurisdiction.”

Related Stories