The unexpected relocation of elderly in-patients in response to a threatened strike

A threatened strike by non-professional hospital employees caused a teaching hospital to halve its in-patient numbers. This paper describes this unexpected, involuntary intervention in patient care in the Department of Geriatric Medicine. Fifty-three patients were discharged, 46 patients were transferred for 12 days to another hospital and 29 remained in the department. There was no evidence of important disruption in patient-care nor exacerbation of patient-distress as seen in ratings of patients' social, emotional and physical functioning. It is suggested that important factors in achieving successful unexpected relocation are: selection of patients who are medically stable albeit with significant physical and mental disability; the preparation and participation of patients and staff; and the continuation of patient care by nursing staff familiar to the patients.