Local News

Mental hospital's former director won't face charges

Dr. Patsy Christian resigned as director of Central Regional Hospital in June after it was revealed that she commissioned a portrait with $572 in state revenue to hang in the hospital.

Posted Updated

The former director of the state's new mental hospital won't face charges for using state money to buy a portrait of herself.

Dr. Patsy Christian resigned as director of Central Regional Hospital in June after it was revealed that she spent $572 in state revenue to commission a portrait to hang in the hospital.

The Department of Health and Human Services requested the State Bureau of Investigation look into the matter. The SBI, after consulting with the Wake County district attorney, determined no additional inquiry was necessary.

Christian now works in the state hospital system, where she is assigned to improve the quality management of nurse training. Her salary is more than $114,000, about $5,000 less than she made as hospital director.

State officials have said the money and portrait have since been returned.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.