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Minnesota Security Hospital Under Investigation

The Minnesota Security Hospital has found itself under scrutiny from the state yet again.
 
The administrator for the Saint Peter Regional Treatment Center has come under fire for creating a hostile working environment.
 
 Since he started work last October, Minnesota Security Hospital administrator, David Proffitt is already under the microscope.
 
"We are making a lot of changes in our facility, so I'm not surprised that that is perceived by some as a difficult working environment," said Anne Barry, Minnesota Department of Human Services deputy commissioner.
 
The State has ordered an investigation as to whether Proffitt created a hostile work environment here at the facility.
  
According to the Associated Press, most of the experienced psychiatric staff at the security hospital have either quit or been fired. In fact, 6 psychiatrists resigned, claiming Proffitt's leadership style is belligerent.
 
"There's a lot of tension, so I'm not surprised that there are those who are very uncomfortable and very unhappy about some of the changes we have made," said Barry.
 
Right now, the facility's license is on probation. Officials say that's due in part to the way some patients were treated and restrained.
 
"In one particular instance, one of our clients was left without a mattress for more than 30 days," said Barry.
 
The hospital was issued a fine last December, but now state officials say more problems dealing with patient care have come to light under Proffitt's supervision. The state says it expects to have its investigation complete within the next two weeks.
 
Proffitt did not respond to KEYC's request seeking comment.