The re-admission rates of a cohort of 97 elderly patients discharged from hospital were ascertained. The overall re-admission rate at 30 days was 15%, at 90 days 24% and at 180 days, 30%. On 4 occasions (9%) re-admission was deemed avoidable by the general practitioner. Deterioration of existing disease accounted for 16 (36%) and a new medical event for 22 (49%) re-admissions.