Retrospective analysis of hospital episode statistics, involuntary admissions under the Mental Health Act 1983, and number of psychiatric beds in England 1996-2006.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the number of voluntary and involuntary (detentions under the Mental Health Act 1983) admissions for mental disorders between 1996 and 2006 in England.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis.


METHODS
England.


METHODS
Number of voluntary and involuntary admissions for mental disorders in England's health service, number of involuntary admissions to private beds, and number of NHS beds for patients with mental disorders or learning disabilities.


RESULTS
Admissions for mental disorders in the NHS in England peaked in 1998 and then started to fall. Reductions in admissions were confined to patients with depression, learning disabilities, or dementia. Admissions for schizophrenic and manic disorders did not change whereas those for drug and alcohol problems increased. The number of NHS psychiatric beds decreased by 29%. The total number of involuntary admissions per annum increased by 20%, with a threefold increase in the likelihood of admission to a private facility. Patients admitted involuntarily occupied 23% of NHS psychiatric beds in 1996 but 36% in 2006.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric inpatient care changed considerably in the decade from 1996 to 2006, with more involuntary admissions to fewer NHS beds. The case mix has shifted further towards psychotic and substance misuse disorders, which has changed the milieu of inpatient wards. Increasing proportions of involuntary patients were admitted to private facilities.
Keown
Patrick
P
East Community Mental Health Team, Molineux Street NHS Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1SG. p.j.keown@newcastle.ac.uk
Mercer
Gavin
G
Scott
Jan
J
D001509:Bed Occupancy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000628:therapy; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies