The British Journal of Psychiatry 147: 150-155 (1985)
© 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
How likely is it that a district health authority can close its large mental hospitals?
LS Levene, LJ Donaldson and S Brandon
A cross-sectional survey assessed all 1,087 patients who were in
psychiatric beds provided by a large district health authority. The elderly
predominated in all length of stay categories, and a high proportion of
them had levels of social and physical incapacity which made it unlikely
that they could be cared for other than in residential care. A substantial
minority of younger patients with a length of stay between one and two
years had levels of incapacity which suggested the need for major
treatment, rehabilitation, or training efforts. The findings have major
implications for Government policy to replace large mental hospitals.