The development of a new service for older adults

In July, 1986, Wesley Long Community Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina, opened its Older Adult Unit. Staffed to accommodate twelve patients, the unit is often operating at capacity. Key to the success of the unit is the process the hospital followed in its development. The hospital tested its preliminary concept for the unit with its consumer populations and tailored the concept to address the needs specifically identified by the populations. In addition, the hospital recognized the importance of an educational role in the promotion of a new service and incorporated this in its marketing strategy. This article outlines the steps followed in the development and successful introduction of the unit.