Summary: In his report for 2000, the Inspector notes the continuing decline in the number of patients in psychiatric inpatient facilities, from 4,768 at the end of 1999 to 4,559 at the end of 2000. There were more than 24,000 admissions to these facilities in 2000 of which approximately 6,750 were first admissions. The proportion of patients being admitted to acute psychiatric units in general hospitals continued to increase and in 2000 accounted for forty-three per cent of admissions. A further thirteen per cent were admitted to private hospitals. The number of involuntary admissions at approximately 2,450 remained constant at ten per cent.