This study reports a comparison of a single ward versus a two-ward system of acute in-patient care in a general hospital psychiatric unit. It focuses on staff and patient perceptions and attitudes towards the two types of ward. A continuous care ward system was preferred by the majority of staff who described an improvement in 'ward atmosphere'. Patients who had experienced both ward systems also preferred the continuous care system. Both patients and staff felt that the continuous care system still needed to place greater emphasis on 'ward atmosphere' dimensions of involvement, support and spontaneity. The implications of these findings for improving the functioning of the preferred ward are discussed.

This study reports on a comparison between a single ward and a two-ward system of acute in-patient care in a general hospital psychiatric unit. It looked at job satisfaction, levels of stress, absenteeism/sickness and work proficiency amongst the staff and also at patients' level of disturbed behaviour, length of stay and re-admission rates. It was found that a continuous-care ward was associated with a lower level of behavioural disturbance and was preferred by the majority of staff, with some increase in job satisfaction and a decrease in stress. The continuous-care ward was also associated with shorter admissions. However, those who progressed through a two-ward system were less likely to be re-admitted within 3 months. The implications of these results are discussed.