IS THERE A MARKET FOR REGIONAL UNITS IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT-PSYCHIATRY

Background An analysis of the demand for the services of a sub-regional Family and Young Persons Unit which offers both in-patient and out-patient treatment for children and adolescents with psychiatric, emotional or psychological problems was performed. Methods Interviews were held and questionnaires were sent to representatives of the principal and potential users of the service both within the local district and beyond. Results The results demonstrated unmet demand for outpatient services but only limited demand for in-patient services in some districts. The role of market research in the new National Health Service and some of the difficulties of applying it are discussed. The implications of the findings for both the Family and Young Persons Unit and for child and adolescent psychiatry are considered. Conclusion It is concluded that the effect of the market may be to bring about the closure of regional units unless there is intervention to protect them.