The History of Bridgewater State Hospital

Bridgewater State Hospital is called a hospital but is operated as a secure facility by the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and has the appearance and feel of a correctional facility. This paper traces that history, marked by a cycle of segregation of populations, provision of suboptimal services, decline of conditions, exposure, and attempts at reform. As we assess the current conditions at BSH, we should view the facility in this larger context.