Year: 1991 Source: Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, v.8, no.1, (March 1991), p.46-47 SIEC No: 19910808

This study outlines the reasons why patients remained in a psychiatric unit over Christmas. In over 50% of cases, the stay was necessary due to the severity of mental illness; however, a significant minority could not leave because of either poor family support or unavailability of suitable community mental health services. There was also evidence of good will influencing admissions for alcoholic patients who were lonely & expressed a preference to be in hospital. (VM)