Governor Appoints Special Master to Oversee State Hospital Improvements
Judge Hargreaves will strengthen accountability in assuring quality care for patients at the Oregon State Hospital
Salem – Governor Ted Kulongoski announced today the appointment of the Honorable James Hargreaves to serve as the Special Master for the Oregon State Hospital (OSH), effective February 19, 2008.
As Special Master, Judge Hargreaves will oversee improvements in patient care designed to meet and exceed recommendations of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and ensure accountability in improving the quality of care for Oregonians served by the Oregon State Hospital. He will report directly to the Governor and Bruce Goldberg, M.D., director of the Oregon Department of Human Services.
“The combination of Judge Hargreaves’ background as a judge and helping make systems better make him an ideal candidate,” said Governor Kulongoski. “I am confident he will bring the oversight needed to assure the highest quality care for patients at the hospital.”
Judge Hargreaves will work with OSH managers and staff, outside experts, consultants and patient advocacy groups to review and guide improvements in psychiatric care, patient safety, clinical quality and organizational culture. He will have the authority to investigate every aspect of the hospital and to interview employees, patients and their families. He will also oversee the development of an organizational structure for the hospital that is functional and accountable. Judge Hargreaves will make regular reports to the Governor, Dr. Goldberg and the Legislature.
“I am very pleased Judge Hargreaves has accepted this role,” said Dr. Goldberg. “His experience helping organizations establish and monitor performance objectives will bring immense value to this process.”
Judge Hargreaves has more than 30 years of experience as a judge. He served as a judge in Lane County for 20 years – 18 years in Circuit Court and two years in District Court. His background includes consulting and leading process improvements for court systems in the United States and internationally.
Judge Hargreaves is a member of the Oregon State Bar and holds both a B.S. and J.D. in Law.
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Patty Wentz, 503-378-6169
Patricia Feeny (Oregon State Hospital), 503-945-9073
|
