THE OBSERVATION WARD AND THE PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY.
An examination of the working of an observation ward in a provincial centre is made in the light of previous literature on the subject and future developments in the area. The potential value of such a unit to the medical and psychiatric services in the area is emphasized. It is envisaged that the unit could evolve into one for short-term psychiatric treatment, while still dealing effectively with psychiatric emergencies.

Whatever type of short-stay unit is planned in a general hospital setting, we believe a most important function will be the immediate reception, diagnosis and treatment of the psychiatric emergency. The psychiatric emergency will be attracted in increasing numbers to general hospital psychiatric units by virtue of the avenues of referral, e.g. casualty departments, general hospital wards, general practitioners and, above all, the entire acceptance of these units by the public.