A 25-bedded combined geriatric and psychogeriatric assessment unit in a District General Hospital (Teaching) is described. In the five years 1973–7 there were 1576 admissions. The turnover per bed was 12.6 per year, discharges 58and deaths 22. Results compare favourably with other geriatric and psychogeriatric units and with the treatment of elderly patients with psychiatric disorders in a general medical ward. The arrangement meets the needs of elderly patients very well, provides a valuable training ground, and ensures excellent liaison between geriatric and psychogeriatric service
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