Background: Both the National Health Service (NHS) and the private sector provide low secure care. Little is known about the differences between the two sectors regarding the unit functioning and characteristics of patients admitted to low secure units (LSUs).

Aim: To compare the unit and patient characteristics of NHS and private LSUs.

Method: A cross sectional census day postal design was employed.

Results: The analysis is based on 128 LSUs (98 NHS, 30 private). NHS LSUs accommodated 1084 patients and the private LSUs accommodated 359 patients. Analysis of the data showed that some differences existed between the two sectors related to the number of beds, unit facilities, interventions and the referral-discharge route. The demographic characteristics of NHS and private patients were similar. The majority of patients were white, male, unemployed and single.

Conclusion: Although the NHS and the private sector LSUs work similarly and share many characteristics in terms of the unit functioning and the patient characteristics, a few very significant differences between the two sectors have also emerged.

Background: The physical environment of a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or Low Secure Unit (LSU) is one of its defining aspects. The National Minimum Standards for General Adult Services in PICUs and Low Secure Environments published by the Department of Health (2002) outlines the standards to be followed regarding design of PICUs and LSUs. Till date, no comprehensive national data exists about the standard of physical environment of these units.

Aim: To determine whether current physical environment of PICUs and LSUs are adequate to meet the therapeutic needs of patients in England.

Method: An inventory was sent to all NHS PICUs and LSUs (in England).

Results: A total of 231 units were identified as either PICUs or LSUs. Out of these, 164 valid returns were received. Sixty PICU units (62.5%) and 43 LSU units (63.5%) were good or acceptable. Thirty six PICU units (37.5%) and 25 LSU units (36.5%) failed on several issues. Analysis of the data showed that to bring the PICU/LSU Estate to a good standard is anticipated to cost approximately £140million.

Conclusion: The Department of Health has allocated funding of £30 million to be distributed amongst all the 28 Strategic Health Authorities. A further funding of £130 million has also been released to address places of safety and for upgrading PICUs and LSUs to meet the National Minimum Standards.

Declaration of Interest: The project was funded by the Department of Health.

Aim: To survey the twenty low secure mental health and learning disabilities units in the South Thames Region.

Method: Ward Managers were interviewed and data gathered on: (1) Buildings and security; (2) Beds; (3) Staffing; (4) Therapeutic activities; (5) Policies; (6) Issues of concern.

Results: Learning disabilities units tended to be smaller, older and not purpose built with more issues of security and observation. There was an under provision of Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Social Work staff.

Conclusion: Any issues of concern raised by staff tended to reflect any structural and staffing deficiencies.