To assess the impact of a total smoking ban in a high secure psychiatric hospital. Staff and patients were surveyed before and after implementation. Data were collected on untoward incidents, seclusions, nicotine replacement therapy and changes in psychotropic medication.

Of the 298 patients in the hospital for the evaluation period, 72.8% were smokers before the ban. There were no significant differences in rates of seclusion before and after the ban and only one significant comparison (P =0.01) showed an increase in untoward incidents for smokers. There were no significant increases in the use of psychotropic medication after the ban.

With adequate preparation, it is possible to implement a total smoking ban in a high secure psychiatric setting without serious negative consequences.

The mental health information available to people with bipolar affective disorder is variable in quality. We conducted a qualitative survey in an urban out-patient department to elicit the opinions of people with bipolar affective disorder on the written information provided by three health information providers.

Participants' responses were generally positive for each leaflet. The two leaflets rated highest by participants used quality assurance tools. However, 20-30% had difficulty understanding the leaflets. Medical jargon and verbosity were common criticisms.

Professional bodies such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists play an important role in providing patients with written information. Quality assurance standards should be used in the production of patient information. A tool measuring individuals' appraisal of information may ensure information is appropriate to their requirements.

To evaluate the quality of information about medication on 33 UK schizophrenia websites using a bespoke tool known as the Strathclyde Website Evaluation Form (SWEF).

The mean total SWEF score was 26 out of a maximum of 52. For website content, the mean score was 15.3 out of a maximum of 32. Most websites mentioned antipsychotics (n = 23), but only 10 described the differences between typical and atypical classes. Three websites mentioned the different injectable formulations. Information about side-effects, particularly from atypicals was limited. Comprehensive details about clozapine including the blood monitoring requirements were found on two websites. Currency was reasonable with 20 websites being less than 3 years old.

Information about antipsychotic medication on UK schizophrenia websites is basic and incomplete.

We examined peaks and troughs in demand for out-of-hours consultations and assessments in child and adolescent psychiatry and whether these have implications for service development. All out-of-hours referrals in three teaching hospitals providing services to a large and diverse inner-city population were prospectively registered from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2005.

In total, 323 individuals under 18 years were referred; 21.6 (95% CI 19.3-24.0) per 100 000 general population per year. Bedside assessments were required in 37%, the remainder were dealt with by telephone. The work took more than 4 h for 22%; 46% of individuals presenting were aged 16-18 years. Significant diurnal variation was observed with a peak in referrals between 17.00 h and 00.59 h. More referrals were made when daytime liaison services were closed (odds ratio (OR) = 2.46, 95% CI 1.15-1.87), after referral pathways had been clarified (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.92-3.23) and during spring (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.14-1.98). Other factors analysed showed no association with referral activity.

Cyclic variations in the demand for out-of-hours services in child and adolescent psychiatry should be considered for service planning. Although paediatric psychiatric emergencies are relatively rare, they can take up considerable clinician time.

To determine the security needs of patients in medium secure services in Northern Ireland and to identify those requiring long-term secure care. Patients were rated on the Security Needs Assessment Profile.

Fifteen patients (45%) could be managed in conditions of low security. Twelve patients (36%) require over 5 years' further treatment in secure care. Particular security needs include relational nursing skills, restricted access to alcohol and drugs, and robust physical security.

This study should be replicated across the UK to determine whether forensic services are responding to patients' needs. Pathways out of medium security need to be better developed, with regional expansion of low secure services.

On 1 November 2006, Ireland's Mental Health Act 2001 was implemented, replacing the country's Mental Treatment Act 1945. We aimed to assess the impact of this change in legislation on the number and duration of involuntary admissions. We undertook a retrospective review of all admissions to a psychiatric admissions unit from January to October 2006 (pre-implementation) and January to October 2007 (post-implementation).

There were 46 involuntary admissions in the 10-month period under study in 2006, or 33.8 per 100 000 population. There were 53 in 2007, or 39.3 per 100 000 population. This increase was not significant (z = – 0.7, P = 0.46), however involuntary admissions formed a larger proportion of all admissions under the Mental Health Act 2001 than under the Mental Treatment Act 1945 (χ2 = 4.2, P =0.04). There was no difference in the duration of involuntary admissions but under the 2001 Act, involuntary patients had longer periods of voluntary status as part of their admissions than under the 1945 Act.

The introduction of more rigorous procedures for involuntary admission did not significantly change the rate or duration of involuntary admissions in our centre. The finding that involuntary admissions included longer periods of voluntary status suggests that more care is being taken to revoke involuntary admission orders under the Mental Health Act 2001 than under the Mental Treatment Act 1945.

This study aimed to establish the variations in the pre-defined aspects of postgraduate psychiatric training within the member countries of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees and illustrate the diversity of training experiences within Europe. Participants were required to complete a structured questionnaire.

There are wide variations in the length, content and structure of postgraduate psychiatric training across Europe. There are differing requirements for, and access to, psychotherapy training. Some countries have no examinations or formal assessments.

An understanding of the postgraduate training systems across Europe is essential not only for making informed choices about the development of trainees recruited from the European Economic Area but also for enhancing postgraduate training and patient care in all European countries.