St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Faces AC Failures Amid Supply Shortages

PHOENIX — St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center remains closed to patients following an air conditioning failure that occurred last week. A former employee, Cassandra Bizon, revealed that the facility has faced significant shortages of essential supplies for residents, raising concerns about the state of operations.

Bizon, who worked at St. Luke’s for four years before her termination in April, criticized the facility’s maintenance practices. “The building hasn’t been maintained. For an old building, maintenance is crucial,” she stated. She recounted instances where staff had to bring in their own supplies, including cups for patients. “All personal hygiene products were out for several weeks,” she added.

She noted that it took a firm warning of involving the Department of Health before corporate supplies were dispatched. Her claims are echoed by another employee, who, wishing to remain anonymous for job security, confirmed the lack of air conditioning and reported temperatures inside the facility hovering around 85 to 90 degrees.

Further complicating matters, Steward Health Care is set to sell over 30 hospitals nationwide after filing for bankruptcy. This comes amid an ongoing federal investigation, with the Senate Health Committee subpoenaing the company’s CEO to testify in Congress. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has also launched an investigation into the bankruptcy proceedings.

In a statement released Tuesday, Steward Health asserted that all patients had been relocated and that employees had the option to return to work, although it is not mandatory. They acknowledged previous supply issues before the bankruptcy but claimed improvements have occurred since. Additionally, they expressed hope that the HVAC system would be restored soon, indicating that those who continue to work are in air-conditioned areas.