Why are the mentally handicapped admitted to hospital? A ten-year survey.

Admissions of mentally handicapped patients over a ten-year period to a hospital group with a catchment area population of 213,000 are described and discussed. During this time, there was a progressive increase in temporary admissions for assessment, day care, and for both planned and emergency respite care. There were also 89 admissions for permanent care associated with conditions such as psychiatric disorder, multiple handicap, and changed family circumstances.