A predischarge unit in a long-stay hospital for subnormality

A newly built residential ward in the grounds of a long-stay mental subnormality hospital was converted into a predischarge unit to cater for those patients who could probably be discharged after some special training. So far 31 residents have been trained over the past two years; 18 (58%) have been discharged to community residences, and five were waiting for discharge. The high success rate shows the value and usefulness of a predischage unit in a long-stay hospital, and also shows that a purpose-built building is not necessary so long as the staff have the initiative and will to succeed.