Facility issues of the 1990s.

In the 1980s there was overbuilding of facilities of all kinds, including facilities with acute psychiatric beds. A subsequent decrease in patient days in most of these hospitals caused significant excess capacity. With all the problems now confronting mental healthcare facilities, it may be difficult to focus attention on hospital buildings; however, intelligent planning for the use of these large investments may be part of an overall solution. An awareness of problems facing our facility managers should enhance the planning process and minimize unwanted surprises.