San Francisco is doubling the capacity of its locked psychiatric ward for patients experiencing severe mental illness and addiction as the city continues to add beds to deal with the crisis on its streets. The move is part of a planned slate of expansions to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital’s mental health care facilities thanks to an infusion of state funds.
The hospital will repurpose the second floor of its Behavior Health Center to accommodate about 57 more locked subacute beds at its Potrero Avenue facility. Officials for years have lamented the serious shortage of these beds in the city. The city’s Department of Public Health said the shortage has contributed to homelessness and repeat psychiatric crises.
“San Franciscans who are struggling with severe behavioral health challenges deserve real care and a clear path to stability,” Mayor Daniel Lurie said in a statement. “This is a major step in strengthening our behavioral health system, and I’m grateful to our partners, our frontline workers, and everyone helping us bring this expansion to life.”…