Disability and rehabilitation
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A study was undertaken by a Scottish Health Authority to determine future provision of NHS long stay in-patient beds for young physically disabled people (aged < 65), and eligibility criteria for admission to such care. As part of the development of care in the community, only patients requiring specialist medical and nursing care should continue to be placed in NHS care. Resources freed from the resulting closure of NHS beds will be transferred to Social Services to develop alternative packages of care in the community, based on need rather than precedent. ⋯ These clinical criteria indicate the need for specialist medical and nursing care. By examining the relationship between dependency and staff perception, it has been possible to plan long stay provision on a population basis. The criteria for admission have been adopted for local clinical use and form the basis for appeals procedures for patients deemed appropriate for discharge.