Effects of relocation on chronically ill geriatric patients of a medical unit: mortality rates

The entire general medical unit of Ste. Anne's Hospital for disabled elderly veterans was moved into a new modern building on July 13, 1971. Roughly, about 350 patients were involved. In anticipation of the move, a program of preparation of the patients was organized to prevent if possible the dramatic increases in the mortality rate reported in some earlier studies of relocated geriatric populations. The principal finding with regard to mortality was a significant decrease of 6.82 per cent after the relocation when compared with mortality rate for the previous year. The highly appreciated air-conditioning system in the new building, representative of modern improvements, may have helped to a minor degree. A much more important factor was the well organized program for preparation of the patients, skillfully carried out by a conscientious staff.