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An internal memo sent to the employees at Western State Hospital reveals the strain budget cuts have had on the staff.
Since 2009, the hospital's budget has been reduced by more than $5 million.
For decades, Western State Hospital has been known as a haven of treatment for Virginians suffering from mental illness. John Beghtol has worked there for 33 years and says its reputation is strong.
"We're not encountering any criticism of Western out there. It's just not there. Even though we're under stress, the staff just keep delivering," comments Beghtol.
Surprisingly, the stress the staff is under isn't because of the 600 severely ill patients they treat each year, many of whom come directly from jail. Instead it's because of the 126 jobs that have been cut because of the budget.
"We're quite concerned about more and more of our employees being asked to take on additional duties," says Beghtol.
He says the employees have risen to the occasion so far.
"Many parents and relatives are very complimentary of our care, but they also share our concern. How far can we go down," asks Beghtol.
Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposed budget has $1.2 million cut this year. That cut has already been anticipated by WSH, but it will push the hospital close to its limit.
"The key is that nursing hour per patient day. We're closing in on it. We're maintaining," says Beghtol.