An evaluation of a new low-secure service, the High Dependency Network, in the North-West

The characteristics of all admissions to a new service for patients requiring high levels of staff support in a low-security setting (the High Dependency Network) were examined and compared with the patient characteristics outlined in the service specification. A range of standardized measures was used to assess patients' social and clinical functioning. The individual units within the High Dependency Network were compared with each other and variation was found in their degree of adherence to the service specification. Implications for the development of new services are discussed.