Raleigh, N.C. — Patients and staff from John Umstead Hospital in Butner were expected to begin heir move to the state's new Central Regional Hospital Monday, but the move has been delayed.

Tom Lawrence, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services, said the delay is because the DHHS is working on a report to Gov. Mike Easley that budget legislation requires stating that the hospital will provide a safe and secure environment for patients and staff.

The transition could be delayed at least a week, Lawrence said.

The moves of Umstead and Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh have been delayed several times to hire more staff and provide proper training, as well as to address construction and safety issues with the new facility.

Dix patients are scheduled to move when the Umstead move is complete. Both hospitals are expected to close when the transition is complete.