Unscheduled return visits within 72 hours to an assessment unit.

Unscheduled return visits were looked at to determine the quality of care and safety of patients in a paediatric assessment unit. The reasons for unscheduled return visits were also investigated. Two per cent of patients discharged from the unit returned, the main reason being parental perception of illness. There were only two patients re-referred by their family doctor. These findings have implications for clinical care and education.