The 18-bed Adult Unit has remained open and is being staffed by temporary physicians, which is a more costly expenditure than having permanent physicians on staff.

However, Mundy said the positive news that the hospital has received of late has been favorable on the recruitment process.

"We have an offer out to one psychiatrist and serious inquiries from two others," said Michael Hildebran, director of public relations and marketing for CVPH. "We are cautiously optimistic about looking for others."

The hospital would like to have four full-time psychiatrists, he added, two for each unit. Not only will it give the units full medical coverage, but it will also help reduce the deficit even more by eliminating the more expensive temporary physicians.

STEPPED UP'

The positive news was met favorably by the local health-care community.

"I have to commend CVPH for meeting the challenge and keeping the unit open," said Sherrie Gillette, director of community services for Clinton County. "It would have been easy to take closure as a way out, as other hospitals have done, but they've stepped up to the plate."

Clinton County alone has 600 children enrolled in Mental Health outpatient services, and many of those children and their families rely on inpatient services when that care is needed, she added.

jmeyers@pressrepublican.com