"Homeward bound": a minimal care rehabilitation unit. Issue 6542 (2nd August 1986)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sutton, M A
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 293:Issue 6542(1986)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 1986-08-02
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.293.6542.319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : A 20 bed minimal care rehabilitation unit was set up by Newham District Health Authority in a small hospital originally scheduled for closure when a new district general hospital was opened. During the first year 114 patients were admitted (throughput 5.7), with a median length of stay of 30 days; in the second year 173 patients were admitted (throughput 8.65) with a median length of stay of 28.5 days. The cost per inpatient day was less than that of an inpatient day at the district's long stay geriatric unit. Before the unit opened 24% of the acute beds had been occupied for more than six weeks, whereas two years later only 6% of the acute beds were occupied for such a period.