Western State chief apparently forced out

TACOMA — When the chief executive of Western State Hospital left his post, a state spokesman indicated Andrew J. Phillips had gone willingly. Now public records obtained by a newspaper indicate he was forced out.

According to the The Tacoma News Tribune, the records show the 65-year-old Phillips was handed a settlement agreement on Aug. 8 and given 15 minutes to sign it and resign, or be fired.

Phillips signed the agreement but was fired almost a week later, after he consulted an attorney and refused to submit a written resignation.

The reason for his termination remains unclear, and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) spokesman Jim Stevenson declined to discuss the issue.

At the time, DSHS spokesman Thomas Shapley said the departure did not stem from any criminal activity.

Western State, which has about 1,000 patients and 2,000 employees, has struggled through a difficult budget year. In response to problems, Phillips cut overtime hours and reduced temporary workers at the hospital, which prompted complaints from unionized workers about quality of care.