The combined approach to geriatrics and psychiatry: evaluation of a joint unit in a teaching hospital district.

A 25-bedded combined geriatric and psychogeriatric assessment unit in a District General Hospital (Teaching) is described. In the five years 1973-7 there were 1576 admissions. The turnover per bed was 12.6 per year, discharges 58% and deaths 22%. Results compare favourably with other geriatric and psychogeriatric units and with the treatment of elderly patients with psychiatric disorders in a general medical ward. The arrangement meets the needs of elderly patients very well, provides a valuable training ground, and ensures excellent liaison between geriatric and psychogeriatric services.