CEO Refuses Questions on Patient Protections After Holly Hill Escape
An adult patient escaped from Holly Hill psychiatric hospital on December 27, 2025. The incident has raised significant concerns about patient safety and the facility’s ability to protect its residents.
Details of the Escape Incident
The patient reportedly left the facility and was later found in Cary, having walked there from Raleigh. According to the patient’s mother, he managed to escape using staff keys, raising alarming questions about security protocols within the hospital.
Concerns About Patient Safety
Numerous complaints about Holly Hill have come to light over the years. These include allegations of inadequate staffing, lack of therapy options, and potential over-medication. A former patient, Ronelle Fiori, expressed her discontent, stating she felt unsafe during her time at the facility and even wrote to Governor Josh Stein urging for change.
Raleigh Police Department’s Response
In 2025, the Raleigh Police Department recorded two escape incidents at Holly Hill—one involving adults and the other concerning minors at a neighboring campus. A 911 call from the children’s campus highlighted chaos, with staff struggling to manage the situation due to understaffing.
Official Responses
El-Balad reached out to Holly Hill’s CEO, Leigh Holston, for clarification on measures being implemented to enhance patient safety. Holston cited HIPAA regulations as a reason for her inability to disclose specific preventive actions, despite assertions that HIPAA should not restrict her response.
Community and Government Reactions
In discussions with the Raleigh Mayor, Janet Cowell, she acknowledged the importance of mental health issues for public safety. Despite inquiries, the City Council does not have a formal relationship with Holly Hill, placing emphasis on improved attention to mental health care.
Calls for Systemic Overhaul
The mother of the recent escapee hopes for significant reforms within the state’s mental health system. She advocates for more available beds and better overall care for patients. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services was contacted for information on complaints and investigations regarding Holly Hill but could not disclose specifics.
- Date of Escape: December 27, 2025
- Location: Holly Hill Psychiatric Hospital, Raleigh, NC
- Escape Means: Use of staff keys
- Findings: Patient found in Cary on December 28, 2025
- Complaints: Staffing levels, safety, and patient care concerns
Overall, the escape incident at Holly Hill highlights significant issues related to patient protections, prompting ongoing dialogue among community leaders and health officials about improving mental health services in the area.
