This field contains a code which defines the characteristics of a ward. The code has six parts: AABCDEF.

A is as follows:
71 = Home leave, non-psychiatric
72 = Home leave, psychiatric

B is age as follows:
1 = Neonates
2 = Children and adolescents
3 = Elderly
8 = Any age
9 = Home leave

C is sex as follows:
1 = Male
2 = Female
8 = Not specified
9 = Home leave

D is the hospital provider as follows:
1 = NHS hospital provider
2 = Non-NHS hospital provider
9 = Invalid

E is the number of days in a week that the ward is open only during the day.

F is the number of days in a week that the ward is open at night.