New DHS Head Calls For Changes At State Psychiatric Hospital

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The new head of Minnesota's Department of Human Services is calling for changes at the state psychiatric hospital.

Human Services Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper said Wednesday that the department will take action to address patient and staff safety concerns at the Anoka hospital.

Piper told staffers she expects meetings between management and labor to address recent issues, which also include mandated overtime and staff retention.

"Changes need to start now," she said. "We have a tremendous amount of work in front of us.  But it's work necessary to ensure that Anoka is the kind of quality program our patients, staff and the people of Minnesota deserve."

Piper was named Human Services Commissioner earlier this month.