Early experience in the establishment of an integrated psychiatric day hospital

This paper describes the development of a new day-care provision for psychiatric patients. A purpose-built psychiatric day hospital was established in 1986 at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Edinburgh. A description is given of the first two years of operation. The unit's aim, to integrate treatment of both long-term and acute patients, has been successfully maintained after two years. Patient progress was assessed using the Morningside Rehabilitation Status Scale (MRSS). A problem area identified was that of patients who would not engage with the day hospital.