CLOSING OF A PSYCHIATRIC INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT - A MANIFESTATION OF LOST VALUES

TOPIC. A psychiatric intensive care unit shown to be of value to patie nts and staff was closed within a year, ostensibly for economic reason s. PURPOSE. To examine the usefulness of psychiatric intensive care un its, and the importance of thinking through the ramifications of downs izing. SOURCE. A case study of a psychiatric ICU in Nothern Ontario, C anada and a review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS. When downsizing is considered, a careful examination of values must take place, rememberi ng patient care come first.