Springfield Hospital Center
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Springfield Hospital Center is a regional psychiatric hospital located in Sykesville, Maryland.
It is operated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through the Mental Hygiene Administration.
The hospital is a public Maryland psychiatric hospital deeply rooted in the humane treatment of the mentally ill. The hospital, built in a pastoral setting at the end of the 19th century, was designed based on a forward thinking “cottage” plan that created independent living units and eliminated outdated methods of seclusion and restraint. At that time, Springfield became nationally known as a model for the treatment of the mentally ill. As the twentieth century continued and needs increased, Springfield accepted more patients and added buildings; at its peak, the hospital provided services and housing for over 3,500 patients. Essentially, the hospital functioned as a small town: it grew its own food and operated its own power, security, and fire departments. The hospital even had a personal railroad for deliveries.
Today, Springfield Hospital Center provides specialized psychiatric services for nearly 700 Maryland residents a year. It is a center of modern treatment and training in the field. As a downsized version of the mid 20th century version, Springfield’s surplus resources have been reborn into state training and business facilities. The buildings are listed in the historic site inventory of the Maryland Historical Trust. The hospital’s goals are community reintegration and recovery and are further described in their strategic plan, “Springfield 2010”.
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