You can call the patient.– First time callers, please call (509) 565-4000.
You can write a letter - address it to the patient:
C/o (patient name)
P.O. Box 800
Medical Lake, WA 99022
You can contact the ward and request that the patient call you. Call (509) 565-4000.
Patients were buried in the hospital’s cemeteries from 1891 to 1954. If you have a family member who you think might be buried in the hospital’s cemeteries, contact the Medical Record Department at (509) 565-4335. The staff will determine if you are authorized to receive information regarding patients who have been buried in the hospital’s cemeteries and will assist you with your questions.
Civil - Patients may be detained by a designated mental health professional or transferred from a community inpatient psychiatric facility under RCW 71.05. Following admission, the treatment team will meet with the patient to complete assessments and then identify diagnoses, treatment goals and discharge plans.
Forensic - Admissions to the Eastern State Hospital forensic unit are through the criminal court system.
Visits and communication with family members and significant others are encouraged as it plays an important role in treatment. Visiting hours may vary with each program but generally occur during midmorning and evening hours.
Please schedule visits through the patient’s social worker. Call the operator (509) 565-4644, or (509) 565-4344 to find out the name and number of the assigned social worker.
Visitors must also call the switchboard on the day of their assigned visit to check the status of the ward. Visitors may not bring food items for either civil or forensic patients.
Additional restrictions apply to visits with forensic patients, to include no clothes, electronics, gifts, or personal hygiene items. Personal belongings can be mailed to the hospital directly from a third-party vendor. Family or friends may order items approved by the treatment team, only if ordered and delivered from a vendor.
Visitors must check in at the switchboard where their visit will be verified, identification will be checked, directions will be given for securing belongings, and use of a metal detection wand will be conducted. Visitors will be escorted to and from visitation locations.
During treatment at Eastern State Hospital, state and federal law protects patients to ensure they are given care, treatment and privileges that enhance their dignity, promote their welfare, and protects their civil rights. To obtain a copy of the rights of patients at Eastern State Hospital, contact the Patient Advocate's office at (509) 565-4520 ( in hospital dial 4520)
Eastern State Hospital believes that patient privacy and confidentiality are of primary importance during treatment. Confidentiality is the basis of therapy and the patient has the right to control access to information concerning treatment and to have his/her personal privacy assured and protected within the constraints of the treatment plan.
It is the policy of Eastern State Hospital to maintain confidential information according to state law as well as the policies and procedures of the Department of Social and Health Services. For patients to receive appropriate treatment and continuity of care, information may be shared among treating agencies and others as allowed by law and necessary for continuity of care.
Each patient's treatment team is comprised of physicians, social workers, rehabilitation therapy staff, and nursing staff. They work with the patient to identify strengths and goals and establish a discharge plan. Families and significant others are encouraged to be active members of the patient’s support network.
When a patient arrives at the hospital, a physician and nurse meet with the patient to discuss the reasons for the admission. A discharge plan is formulated at the time of admission. The patient and staff identify strengths and goals to achieve discharge. The patient is then introduced to the ward staff, other patients, and their ward environment.
At the time of admission, the patient’s clothing and personal items will be checked and inventoried. As a precaution against loss or theft, the patient is asked to allow all clothing to be marked with the patient’s name.
Patients are asked to have family members keep all valuables. Valuable items that are brought to the hospital are maintained in the hospital’s safe. If a patient chooses to keep a personal item in their possession, the patient will assume liability for loss.
Patients are not allowed to keep sharp or potentially dangerous items such as knives, scissors, straight and safety razors, cigarette lighters or lighter fluid, or glass containers or bottles. These items will be disposed of or stored in the Security Office.
Since storage space is limited, patients are encouraged to not bring personal property to the hospital other than clothing.
The physician will assess whether a patient’s personal medications should be provided to them while hospitalized or if hospital medications will be substituted. Patients’ personal medications will be stored. Family members should not bring medications (either prescription or over-the-counter) to patients in the hospital.
Patients are allowed to keep a small amount of spending money to use at a campus store to purchase snack items. Family members or friends are allowed to deposit money into a patient’s account at the hospital as each patient has their own account. Deposits can be made in person. The Patient Accounts Office can also accept checks for deposit into a patient account. Withdrawals are made by notifying the designated staff member on the unit.
The Patient Advocate’s office provides services to patients at Eastern State Hospital to help them resolve conflict and complaints. The Patient Advocate can be reached at (509) 565-4520.
The hospital is located 20 miles southwest of Spokane, Wash. in Medical Lake.
Eastern State Hospital
850 Maple Street
Medical Lake, WA 99022-0800
Phone: (509) 565-4000
Fax (509) 565-4705
Question or comment? Send us an email.
Adults age 18 or older qualify for services at Eastern State Hospital . Patients are committed through the judicial system under RCW 10.77 or civilly committed through RCW 71.05.
