4th Johore Mental Health Convention 23 - 24 August 2002 Hyatt Regency Hotel Johor Bahru FREQUENCY OF VISITS FROM FAMILY OR RELATIVES OF LONG-STAY PATIENTS AT HOSPITAL PLRMAI. 1.   Dr Chin Loi Fei (Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya) 2.   Associate Prof Nor Zuraida Zainal (Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya,) 3.   Dr Benjamin Chan Teck Ming (Hospital Permai, Johor) 4.   Dr Emmanuel Joseph Pereira (Hospital Permai, Johor)  Background  Support system on chronic mental patients had been weak due to the lack of caregiver involvement and the deprived access to family support. Deinstitutionalization programmes in other countries had failed because the caregivers and the community were ill prepared and ill equipped for the change. This study was initiated to determine the frequency of visits by family members! relatives of long stay patients and to establish the extent of family support for long stay psychiatric patients in our institution.  Methodology  This is a retrospective study on 746 patients from long stay ward at Hospital Permai. Information needed was obtained from the patient’s case notes and verification from staff in charge. Demographic details and number of visits by family and relatives in the past one-year were recorded. Result 17.29% of patients had visitors for the year 2001. Patients who are divorced/separated! widowed had more visitors In comparison with those who are single or married. Family and relatives’ visits were more for male patients. An increased length of stay was associated with a reduced visit from family and relatives.  Conclusion Family support is crucial for the general well being of psychiatric patients. This study concluded that family support is still weak. It is important to ensure the involvement of families and voluntary groups in the planning of community base services.