Purpose of this study was to investigate patients perspective on service quality and their satisfaction with services. Also to ensure that the standards relating to patient assessment and treatment are adhered to and to ensure that all patients have the opportunity to comment on the services and that patient opinions are considered in future service planning.

An 8 items patient satisfaction questionnaire was devised by the author and was distributed to residents on discharge from two rehabilitation wards. Fifteen questionnaires were completed in the 18 month period.

Out of total of 15 cases, 53% were female and 47% male patient. Their mean age was 37.5 years and their mean length of stay in the rehab ward was 23 months. All patients were satisfied with admission process and environment of the wards. Significant majority satisfied with treatment received. To 87% this was their first admission to the rehab unit and the 93% reported that they would recommend the rehabilitation ward to a friend or relative and that they would use this unit again in the future.

Central issue emerged whether the patient was satisfied or dissatisfied with the care they recieved but they all suggested that the quality of care between the patients and individual member of staff were central to the quality of the care. The high quality therapeutic relationship and caring environment is the essence of satisfaction and it may determine the outcome of psychiatric treatment.