Since 1960, there has been a five yearly review of the population resident for more than three months at Glenside Hospital, Bristol (Cooper & Early, 1961; Early & Magnus, 1966; Early & Nicholas, 1971; 1977; 1981; Ford et al, 1987). These surveys have particularly focused on the accommodation and employment needs of the in-patients, but have also documented the nature of the changes that have occurred in the mental hospital over the last 30 years. The results of the seventh quinquennial survey are reported.