ABSTRACT
Characteristics of 109 male patients admitted over a two-year period to a Special Hospital are described and discussed. Comparison is made with the results from a previous study conducted in another Special Hospital (Broadmoor) some fifteen years ago. Admissions still originate mainly from the courts, the penal system, and the NHS. However, the pattern of admissions has changed, influenced in part by the advent of the Regional Secure Unit programme, and the 1983 revision of the Mental Health Act. Very few admissions were diagnosed as suffering from a primary affective disorder. Patients suffering from psychopathic disorder had committed few crimes of murder and manslaughter. Possible reasons for these and other findings are discussed. It is concluded that the Special Hospitals continue to play a distinct and essential role.
Subject(s)
Admitting Department, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Psychiatric , Hospitals, Special , Adult , Crime/statistics & numerical data , England/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , Male , Mental Disorders/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Records of 116 violent incidents perpetrated by special care patients over a twelve-month period were retrospectively examined. There was a marked seasonal variation in the number of incidents. Incidents took place predominantly in the seclusion rooms and in communal areas having relatively high patient density. Patients admitted from the National Health Service following unmanageable violent behaviour were over-represented. A small number of patients were responsible for a high proportion of incidents. Implications for prevention are discussed.
