A report says the Brattleboro Retreat could have improved the safety and treatment program of a patient who committed suicide at the psychiatric hospital last year.
The report by Vermont Protection and Advocacy says Retreat staff failed to properly assess 42-year-old James Biggar of Keene, N.H., and provide increased levels of observation after his suicidal intentions became known.
It says those failures "may have been critical factors" contributing to Biggar’s death.
Retreat spokesman Peter Albert says he can’t discuss the Biggar case, but the Retreat is working to improve care for all patients.
Vermont Protection and Advocacy investigate allegations of abuse or neglect.