Western State timetable still not clear

By Bob Stuart

Published: April 24, 2008

Western State Hospital officials are happy about this week’s inclusion of funding for a new facility in the state bond package.
While $110 million for a new Western State in Staunton was part of the passage of Wednesday’s $1.5 billion bond package by the General Assembly, it is not clear when bids will be taken and the facility built.
“It’s too early in the game to know,‘’ said John Beghtol, a Western State spokesman. He said Virginia Mental Health officials must sign off on the design of the new hospital before bids can be taken.
When built, Beghtol said the new facility will more effectively allow for the treatment of Western State patients enrolled in the hospital’s psycho-social rehabilitation programs.
“This will open up all kinds of possibilities with a nicer, more functional hospital while freeing up land for other development,‘’ Beghtol said.