Superior Court Judge Carl Fox today dissolved the temporary restraining order against the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services obtained by Disability Rights North Carolina that blocked the transfer of patients from Dorothea Dix Hospital to Central Regional Hospital, Butner.

DRNC, which had concerns of patients safety, obtained the TRO on Sept. 25 of last year, and it was continued by consent from both DHHS and DRNC on Oct. 1.  Both sides agreed to work together to resolve any issues concerning patient care and safety.

“The long-term safety and care of patients and staff is paramount,” said Gov. Bev Perdue.  “The partnership and hard work over the last year in resolving these matters had led to improvements for patients.” 

DHHS Secretary Lanier Cansler praised DRNC for its work and efforts over the past year. 

“I believe that with the help of Disability Rights North Carolina, we have improved and built a stronger patient-centered system of care at both Dorothea Dix Hospital and Central Regional Hospital,” said Cansler. “We will continue to call on their knowledge and help as we proceed with our long-term plans not only for these two hospitals but for our other facilities as well. It is a partnership that works and one that we value.”

According to Luckey Welsh, director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities, planning has revolved around moving long-term, geriatric and adolescent patients to the Butner hospital beginning in November. A group of forensic patients will also be transferred sometime after the first of the year.

Welsh said that 55 long-term patients and 50 maximum- and medium-security forensic patients will be moved to the Butner hospital campus. 

“We will move 20 geriatric beds and 20 adolescent beds to Butner, but the actual number of patients moving will be low because we will cease admitting patients to the Dix campus and only admit to the Butner campus as we get closer to the transfer date, which will minimize the potential impact on our patients and their families.”