With new forensic hospital underway, state to hold another public information session

A new forensic hospital for people whose mental illness contributed to criminal activity is slated to be built to the right of the New Hampshire Hospital in Concord. (Screenshot | Department of Health and Human Services.)

The state’s new forensic hospital for individuals currently being held at the state prison is expected to be completed in December 2025. In the meantime, state officials are holding another virtual public information session on the project Thursday.

The 24-bed secure hospital will treat patients who committed a crime but cannot stand trial because of their mental illness; people found not guilty at trial because of their illness; and people who have not broken the law but are too dangerous to be treated in a conventional setting like the state hospital.

From the outside, the new facility looks like an extension of New Hampshire Hospital. But while the two hospitals will share laundry and kitchen facilities, they will be independent hospitals. The Department of Health and Human Services has said the new setting will provide patients with skilled psychiatric treatment in a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment.

PC Construction was awarded a $41.9 million contract for the project in June 2023.

For more information on the project timeline, design, and resources from previous information sessions, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website at dhhs.nh.gov and search “forensic hospital.”

Members of the public can attend the Aug. 29 public information session via computer or phone and will be able to submit questions and comments during the meeting. The call-in number and computer link are on the website.

The department has said it plans to schedule another public hearing in mid-2025.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX