A survey of neurological disability at a district general hospital

Neurological disease accounts for 20% of all admissions to medical wards, but the number of inpatients with neurological disability is unknown. The notes of all adult inpatient in a district general hospital were reviewed to identify all those with a neurological disorder. Over 40% of inpatients on medical wards and 4% on surgical wards had a neurological disorder. Stroke was the most common neurological diagnosis, accounting for 36% of neurological disorders and 22% of all patients on medical wards. Other neurological diagnoses included dementias 10%, degenerative disorders 10%, epilepsy 7%, demyelination 4%, and head injuries 3%. Neurological patients have long inpatient stays (mean 80 days), and often remain in hospital awaiting changes in accommodation. Seven patients under 65 years stayed more than 6 months awaiting long-term care. Neurological disorders contribute significantly to the inpatient workload. Identifying those requiring rehabilitation and concentrating them on one ward could improve the quality and efficiency of their care.