Trends in the care of psychiatric patients.

This study begins with a detailed analysis of the population of a large psychiatric hospital in South Wales. Attempts are made to determine the incidence of chronicity, with its various underlying causes. This is followed by details of the current admissions to the hospital from a catchment area where general hospital and psychogeriatric units have been established, and estimates of future bed requirements. Finally there is a description of the several facilities of the general hospital unit and of the problems of developing a fully comprehensive mental health service.