The study describes the characteristics of patients requiring transfer to t
he male and female special care units of a Special Hospital over a 2-year p
eriod. A literature review is undertaken in regard to intensive care units
in general psychiatric hospitals and special care units in Special Hospital
s. The study seeks to analyse any differences between patients requiring sp
ecial care and patients in the hospital as a whole and compares patients in
special care units of Special Hospitals with patients in general psychiatr
y requiring intensive care.