Exposing Western State Hospital: Seattle P-I, 2/18/49

In a strictly investigative piece, the Seattle P-I covers the wretched condition of the hospital and lists out the shortfalls of the institution, focusing on the drastic numbers in overcrowding and understaffing.

“The hospital has 15 graduate nurses for its 2,736 patients.  Minimum standards of the National Committee for Mental Hygiene call for 107.” 

“On the payroll are 249 ward attendants.  The mental hygiene committee recommends a minimum of 446 for the hospital’s case load.” 

“Patients are put to bed around 4 pm and kept there 12 hours because of staff shortages.”