To describe the characteristics and progress of the first 50 patients with severe and enduring mental illness who accessed inpatient rehabilitation services in Dublin North East Mental Health Service between 2001 and 2006.

Retrospective collection of data on the first 50 inpatients from case notes and staff interviews. Data included demographics, psychiatric history, results of rehabilitation interventions and assessment tools. The results were compiled and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Fifty patients were identified. The majority were male (68%) with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia (60%). The levels of co-morbid alcohol and drug misuse were 40% and 30% respectively. Histories of verbal/physical aggression were found in 92% and impulsive behaviour in 70%. The majority of patients had a past history of being detained under the Mental Treatment Act (1945). High levels of co-morbid physical health problems were identified. New long-stay (NLS) patients showed a trend towards requiring the shortest admissions prior to being ready for discharge to lower levels of support.

One third of patients moved on to reside at lower support levels and accessed vocational training programmes following active inpatient rehabilitation interventions. However, there remained a cohort of patients who required prolonged inpatient admissions due to their high levels of disability. This study further highlights the need to ensure that a range of rehabilitation services from inpatient to supported community placement are provided to meet the needs of patients with severe and enduring mental illness with complex needs.