Relocating elderly people and nursing staff from the NHS to the independent sector

The results of the study reported here highlight the difficulties and potential problems facing re-provision programmes of mental health services. Relocation of services affects not only patients and staff, it also has implications for the education of staff and managers. Without appropriate preparation for relocation, the potential negative effects for older patients could be life threatening. For the staff, relocation could mean new ways of working for which they may not have been prepared. The current educational format does not appear to be sensitive enough to adapt to the pace of policy changes. The management process of re-provision programmes requires more than financial accounting. Preparation for relocation of patients and staff is of paramount importance to achieve the maximum benefits.