A follow-up study was done of 55 patients, one year after discharge from the mental hospital rehabilitation unit. 17 patients stayed less than 2 years in hospital (mean duration of admission 1 year, 2 months), 38 longer than 2 years (mean duration of admission 14 years). 8 of the short-stay patiens were readmitted (=. 47%), against 4 of the long-stay patients (= 10,5%). None of the chronic schizophrenics were readmitted. Most of the long-stay patients worked in a sheltered workshop and stayed in lodgings. Their social status was generally good. All patients received some after-care from the mental health service or the outpatients clinics. These results show that resocialisation of the long-stay psychiatrie patient is justified. Some indications for an extension of this inquiry study, which had a preliminary character, are discussed.