Method Before the start of the survey, the purpose and method was explained in detail to each of the ward sisters involved. Daily ward visits were then made by two nursing sisters, one a tutor and the other a clinical instructor, who had freedom to visit the wards whenever they wished. For the purpose of the survey, the hospital was divided into five approximately equal blocks of 75 beds. One block of wards was visited each day. The survey was carried out on seven days a week; one sister was always present on Saturday and the wards concerned noted any case requiring INC on a Sunday and these after scrutiny were recorded on Monday. By virtue of their experience, the two Sister Tutors were completely familiar with the type of work and work-load in each of the wards surveyed. They were thus able to assess objectively the required patient care. The criteria for needing INC were defined at the start by a combined committee of representatives of the medical, nursing, and administrative staff. The criteria were grouped into the following clinical categories: (A) Unconsciousness Totally dependent upon nursing staff and needing medical supervision, but not including terminal illness. (B) Paralysis Totally dependent upon nursing staff, and possibly needing medical supervision because of the paralysis, e.g. tracheostomy.