Ethnicity and use of acute psychiatric beds: One-day survey in North and South Thames regions

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown higher rates of psychiatric admissions, compulsory admissions, and diagnosed schizophrenia in Black ethnic groups compared with other population groups. METHOD: In a point-prevalence study, demographic and clinical data were collected for adult acute and low-level secure psychiatric in-patients in all National Health Service and seven private psychiatric units in North and South Thames regions on 15 June 1994. RESULTS: A total of 3710 adult acute and 268 low-level secure psychiatric patients were surveyed; 75% of the patients were White, 16% were Black, and 4% were Asian. Analysis reveals that a high proportion of the Black population were admitted to a psychiatric unit; that Black patients are more likely to be admitted under Section; to be located in locked wards; have an inpatient diagnosis of schizophrenia; and not be registered with a general practitioner. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the over-representation of Black ethnic groups within current psychiatric provision. The complement of services to all minority ethnic groups should be examined in terms of access, appropriateness and quality of care. Racism awareness and staff training need to be incorporated into mental health service provision as a matter of priority.