Norristown State Hospital will meet the growing demand for psychiatric beds in southeastern Pennsylvania by adding a new 420-bed forensic hospital on its grounds, writes Holly Herman for the Patch.

According to the state Department of Human Services, $242 million is being allocated for the construction project. The new facility will house court-ordered patients sent through Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, and Chester counties’ criminal justice systems.

A suspect will be committed for mental health treatment and/or ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation by a judge if they are considered to be a danger to themselves and the community.

“Pennsylvanians served through Norristown’s forensic unit deserve timely, quality care in a compassionate, recovery-focused environment,” said Meg Snead, acting secretary of Human Services. “We are excited to work with our local and state partners to create a safe, trauma-informed, recovery-centered facility.”

Crews are currently working on tearing down several closed and rundown buildings on the 225-acre campus off Steriegere Street.

The state departments of Human Services and General Services are currently in the process of obtaining proposals from design professionals to build the new hospital.

Read more about the Norristown State Hospital and the growing demand for psychiatric beds in southeastern Pennsylvania in the Patch.