The North-West Region. II: Patient characteristics in the research panel's recommended placement groups

Abstract

The demographic, clinical and legal characteristics of thepatients for whom the panel recommended maximum, long-stay medium and regional secure unit placement are described. The implications for service planning are discussed.

The findings of this study have implications for the provision of services for all mentally disordered and difficult to place patients. Any change from the current system will of course be dependent on adequate financing and solutions will vary from region to region, depending on such factors as region size and proximity to the current Special Hospitals. In short, over the next few years there is the potential for creative and imaginative changes of a magnitude in excess of those utilized in the development of the RSUs.