Open all hours: extending the role of the psychiatric day hospital

Reports on the extension of the acute day hospital in Central Manchester to a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week service, with patients treated entirely at home if preferred. Describes the development and organisation of the new service, evaluates service activity for the first 12 months and compares this to a consecutive series of in-patients during the first 3 months. Findings support the continued development of 24-hour alternatives to in-patient care, while emphasizing that those requiring in-patient care have different presentations and needs. (Original abstract - amended)