UCHealth has opened a multimillion-dollar inpatient mental health unit at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, marking the newest behavioral health facility in Colorado.
The first patient was admitted at 7 a.m. on Monday, moving into a wing directly connected to the hospital. Previously, the nearest UCHealth inpatient behavioral health unit was miles away and separate from a hospital, requiring 911 assistance in medical emergencies.
“Our patients have had to take ambulances,” said Daphne Huegerich, UCHealth Northern Colorado’s director of behavioral health.
The new wing allows patients and staff faster access to hospital services, including pharmacists, labs, and emergency care. The unit expands UCHealth’s capacity from 41 beds to 50, covering three areas: acute care, adolescents, and adults.
CBS News Colorado toured the facility ahead of its opening. Over 60 staff members conducted test scenarios to ensure smooth operations in the new environment.
When the project was first proposed, an estimated 380,000 Coloradans were not receiving the mental health care they needed, UCHealth said. “There is a need for mental health support for our communities. COVID highlighted the importance of mental wellness,” Huegerich added.
The unit’s design prioritizes patient and staff safety. Countertops are rounded, furniture is heavy to prevent being lifted or thrown, and the layout eliminates blind spots for staff. Patient rooms feature windows for natural light and calming artwork. Bathrooms are designed to prevent self-harm, and doors have special hinges that allow staff to safely enter if a patient barricades themselves.
“We want to make sure there’s no way for patients to harm themselves or others,” Huegerich said. “Our services aren’t changing; we’re just providing more support by being in-hospital.”
A rooftop courtyard provides a safe outdoor space for exercise and activities, including basketball, accessible to both staff and patients.
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