Violence and resources: factors determining admission to an interim secure unit

Nearly 50 per cent of referrals for admission to one medium secure unit were refused a bed. This is probably in line with rates elsewhere in the country, so factors potentially relevant to admission decisions were examined. Violent behaviour was the most powerful patient variable in determining admission. A minority of patients were rejected as clinically unsuitable. Lack of resources was the most likely precipitant of rejection. Unavailability of beds or staff also created long delays in admission.