UW Medicine shuts down psychiatric unit amid financial shortfall

UW Medicine will close Seven North, a psychiatric facility at UW Medicine — Montlake, laying off staffers and reducing the number of inpatient beds available to those in need of care amid the state’s mental health crisis.

“They are going to officially close the unit,” said Tina Mankowski, a UW Medicine spokesperson. Twenty-three jobs are being cut, though employees could fill open roles elsewhere in the UW Medicine system.

The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), which represents Seven North nurses, issued a statement calling for UW Medicine to “reverse course and re-open this facility.” Negotiations over layoffs will begin Monday, said Heather Vargas-Lyon, a nurse who will participate in bargaining.