patient admissions

Full Royal College of Physicians response to the Francis Inquiry report.

Report that draws together the direct experiences of clients and staff to provide an updated national picture of hospital admission and discharge practice for people who are homeless.

It identifies examples of effective working, as well as where improvements still need to be made. It builds on existing guidance on hospital admission and discharge to propose a set of standards which can be applied regardless of the specific models of practice in place.

This practical toolkit sets standards for mental health professionals working with young people placed on adult mental health wards. The criteria have been developed in conjunction with young service users, parents, commissioners and practitioners in both Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) and CAMHS, and complement the Adult Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS) standard.

The new section 131A of the Mental Health Act is due to come into force in April 2010. This amendment will ensure that patients aged under 18 are treated in an environment in hospital which is suitable having regard to their age, with the purpose of preventing the inappropriate admission of children and young people to adult psychiatric wards. This briefing highlights how commissioners can work together to meet the new duty on age-appropriate accommodation in a timely manner.

The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. They produce information and advice sheets to support those affected by dementia. People with dementia may be admitted to general hospital wards either as part of a planned procedure such as a cataract operation or following an accident such as a fall. Carers often worry about how their friend or relative will cope in such a strange environment. This advice sheet suggests ways that carers may be able to help.