news-record.com

It's difficult to comprehend, but the staff at the state mental hospital in Goldsboro ignored the needs of a patient seated in full view for more than 22 hours before he died.

This troubling revelation about Cherry Hospital is just the latest in a string of patient abuse and neglect allegations dogging the four state-run mental hospitals. The shocking details are enough for federal officials to threaten to withhold funding from Cherry. Yet what happened there in April again underscores that the state's much-maligned mental health system still lacks accountability and professionalism.

A hospital security video recorded the 50-year-old man seated in a busy day room for four shifts while staff watched television, played cards and talked on cell phones. He got no more attention than a piece of furniture.

Unacceptable care is all too commonplace at Cherry. A developmentally disabled teenager reportedly was punched by a doctor -- a violation of state law. Last fall, the hospital almost lost federal funding because of illegal patient restraint.

But it isn't alone. Abuse complaints resulted in Broughton Hospital in Morganton losing federal dollars for nearly a year. Safety violations now could cost it accreditation.

Last session, the General Assembly began the arduous task of repairing a dysfunctional system. While increased funding helps, the state also must demand higher performance and supervisory standards.

A law signed last month by Gov. Mike Easley is a welcome step forward. All patient deaths in state mental hospitals now will be reviewed by a state medical examiner. Also, Department of Health and Human Services officials have promised to post abuse investigation results online.

Beyond that, a more effective patient-advocacy system is in order. And there must be a renewed emphasis on community-based care options.

But when hospital admission is necessary, safeguards must prevent a repeat of such callous disregard for a human being as occurred at Cherry.