Civic groups demand task force for Bangu-dae Hospital closure amid patient safety concerns

Civic groups are demanding the formation of a task force to manage the closure of Bangu-dae Hospital in Ulsan, which is shutting down after seven patient deaths over the past five years. The coalition of over 30 organizations, the Ulsan Bangu-dae Mental Hospital Solidarity Committee, stated that patients should not bear the responsibility for the hospital's operational failures and mismanagement.

They are calling on the Ulsan Metropolitan City and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to establish an emergency response committee and a community transition task force. The groups highlighted past incidents, including patient transfers from Cheongdo Daenam Hospital during COVID-19 and another mental hospital in Pyeongtaek, to emphasize the need to prevent 'hospital hopping' where patients are moved between facilities without proper consent or planning.

Bangu-dae Hospital, located in Ulsan's Ulju-gun, decided to close on September 3rd after another patient died in the ward on September 2nd. The hospital, where over half of its 200 inpatients are severely developmentally disabled, had been under investigation by the National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Health and Welfare due to the repeated deaths. Mental health professionals have voiced concerns that the abrupt closure date does not allow for adequate transition planning.

The solidarity committee stressed that patient transfers should not simply move individuals to another institution, creating a cycle of reception. They argue that the primary consideration during the closure process must be the patient's will and rights, not just the availability of beds elsewhere. The committee has proposed several steps for the task force, including surveying patient support needs, confirming patient wishes, developing individual transition plans, linking patients to community housing and services, and ensuring ongoing case management after discharge.