Politics & Government

Murphy Briefs Town on Mental Health Facility

Palmetto Summerville cited for DHEC concerns, and council votes to look into zoning compliance.

During this afternoon's special meeting at town hall, councilman Bob Jackson called the issue of Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health's recent and alleged assaults ( and ) to the public session.

The council voted unanimously to study the facility's compliance with town zoning to put more "pressure" on it to improve, as councilman Walter Bailey said.

Rep. Chris Murphy, R-Summerville, who toured the facility with Rep. Jenny Horne, R-Summerville, and a few other councilmembers after the first escape in April, addressed the council.

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He said recently the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has cited Palmetto Summerville for inadequate staffing and beds.

The facility has been given 15 days to come into compliance and it has been working toward secure features, such as buildingand installing new cameras and a new locking system for the doors, Murphy said.

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"Together, we will bring them back into compliance so they can become a good steward," Murphy said.

Bailey then motioned to examine the facility's zoning compliance.

"The more pressure we can put on them, the more they'll do and the faster they'll do it," Bailey said.

When Mayor Bill Collins said what would happen if the facility is out of compliance, Bailey responded that the town would shut it down.


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