SALEM, Oregon – A recent federal report has revealed concerning findings about Oregon’s state-run psychiatric hospital’s failure to protect patients from assaults. However, one particular detail highlighted in the report has sparked both curiosity and concern among state officials and the public.
According to the report, staff at the psychiatric hospital have been distributing condoms to patients, raising eyebrows in a facility where policies are meant to discourage all forms of sexual contact between patients. Governor Tina Kotek expressed surprise at this revelation during a press conference, questioning the reasoning behind the condom distribution.
The hospital’s spokesperson, Amber Shoebridge, explained that the condoms were provided to patients for hygiene and self-care purposes, particularly in relation to masturbation. Despite this explanation, the hospital has decided to discontinue the practice of distributing condoms to patients, emphasizing that it was not meant to promote sexual activity between patients.
The distribution of condoms at the hospital had been a longstanding practice, but it came under scrutiny when federal inspectors visited the facility to investigate reports of patient assaults. During their review of patient files, inspectors discovered instances where patients engaged in sexual activity, influenced by the availability of condoms.
Concerns were raised by inspectors regarding the lack of a clear policy or procedure governing the distribution of condoms and ensuring the safety of all patients. In their report, inspectors cited the hospital for failing to prevent patient-to-patient sexual contact and sexual assault.
The report’s findings regarding condom distribution were initially brought to light by the Lund Report, with Oregon Public Broadcasting later reporting on the hospital’s decision to cease the practice. The incident has prompted discussions about the need for clearer guidelines and protocols in mental health care facilities to safeguard patients from harm and ensure appropriate care.