MAXIMUM AND MEDIUM SECURITY - THE INTERFACE

This paper examines transfer delays for patients moving between medium and maximum security hospitals. Delays appear to be getting shorter a nd Special Hospitals in particular respond very quickly to requests fo r admission. Recommendations are made for further improvements in tran sfer procedures. The authors argue that with closer working relationsh ips between clinicians in Special Hospitals and Regional Secure Units, and the new proactive approach to transfers, the system will become i ncreasingly flexible and responsive. Consequent improvements in the qu ality of care in Special Hospitals are anticipated, making the argumen ts for closing them, in turn, less convincing.