WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Lafayette General Medical Center will close its mental health unit next month.

Hospital CEO David Callecod tells The Advertiser that the decision was made in effort to open up more beds for medical and surgical patients.

Callecod said medical, surgical and intensive care units have operated above 90 percent capacity for the last six months.

Richard Dalton, medical director for the state Office of Mental Health, said Thursday the closing of LGMC's mental health unit leaves the parish with about 150 inpatient mental health beds in
public and private facilities.