Towards mental hospital closure - a study of a residual long-stay population

Objectives: To describe an entire long-stay hospital population and examine the differences between the old and new long-stay groups. It outlines the community-based facilities required for hospital closure to occur. Method: One hundred and twenty-four patients were assessed using the Commun ity Placement Questionnaire (CPQ), a standardised instrument used in servic e planning. Results: The CPQ revealed a globally disabled group with multiple handicaps . The mean age was 68.7 years and the predominant diagnosis was schizophren ia, Though the old long-stay (74) were more disabled than the new long-stay (50), similar sheltered accommodation was required for both groups. The ne w long-stay required a more active day-care program. Conclusions: Reprovision for long-stay patients must not only include shelt ered accommodation but also appropriate day-care facilities. Assessment of the placement needs of all categories of long-stay patients is necessary be fore hospital closure can take place.