GARDNER— Heywood Hospital has received approval from the Department of Mental Health to reopen its inpatient adult mental health unit, effective Jan. 11, according to an announcement from the hospital.

The hospital was approved for six of a proposed 12-bed unit, with more to be added in the future, the announcement read. Admissions will proceed according to approved staffing and a gradual and planned progression.

Heywood Hospital closed the unit in October 2021 due to lack of qualified personnel, which persisted beyond the COVID-19 emergency period.

“Delivery of mental health care services locally is essential to the overall health of our community. Recruitment of licensed mental health clinical staff continues to be the greatest challenge,” said Co-CEO Rozanna Penney in the statement. “The mental health unit operates 24/7, requiring the staffing of professionals for all three shifts. We offer sign-on bonuses, flexible scheduling, tuition reimbursement, and competitive salaries, and are seeking individuals with the desire to make a difference in our community.”

According to the announcement, Heywood has invested in upgrades to the unit, which include a sensory room that provides a calming environment, such as a soothing mural, relaxing music or sounds, dimmer lighting, and safe rocking chairs. Additional sensory resources such as fidgets, stress balls, weighted blankets, and music and art therapy supplies will be integrated into therapy.

Enhanced security measures include Alertus Safety Fobs for staff, new cameras, and Management of Aggressive Behavior training for all staff and security personnel.

In addition to the mental health unit, Heywood also operates a partial hospital program which serves approximately 40 adult patients daily. Heywood Medical Group provides outpatient psychiatric services and counseling to adult and pediatric patients, and maintains school-based behavioral health services. These include mental health counseling, both in person and virtually, and serve approximately 700 students annually throughout five school districts.

“Heywood Healthcare remains dedicated to supporting the overall health of not only our patients, but also the youths and families in need in the region,” Penney said in the statement.