Coming in from the cold. From psychiatric to general hospital. The Irish experience.

The metamorphosis from an extensive mental hospital system of care, rooted in a culture and tradition of self-sufficiency and isolation, to the concept and practise of delivery of psychiatric care in general hospitals is described. The obstacles, psychological and practical, to be overcome in this change process are outlined. The place of the general hospital psychiatric unit in psychiatric and general medical care is outlined. Relevant matters of design and management are briefly explored.