Experiences of the Ryde Hospital Day Only Unit in 1986 and 1987.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor and summarise activity of a Day Only Unit as a guide to management. METHOD: Attitude survey (patient questionnaire) of adults admitted to the Day Only Unit over a six week period, a telephone survey and an ongoing monthly record review of length of stay and complications. RESULTS: The level of "day only" activity is increasing and procedures affecting the quality of care of these patients are being improved. Patients not receiving pre-medications had fewer post-operative symptoms. The most frequent patient complaint related to the coldness of the ward.