The use of Glasgow hospital beds by children under the age of one year.

A study of computer-based hospital discharge data for Glasgow infants showed a 50% rise in the number of discharges per 1000 births from 1968 to 1972. This was attributable to increased rates for infections of the alimentary and respiratory systems. There was no evidence of a rise in disease prevalence nor a fall in mortality rates. It is hypothesized that hospital resources may be used inappropriately to meet demand when the actual need is for primary care services.