The trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly established Observational unit at St. Olavs Hospital in terms of readmission rates, compared to the provision of care in normal/traditional units for defined diagnosis and medical problems.

Observational units are thought to be more efficient than traditional ward units, but the evidence is scarce. The trial will in a randomized fashion evaluate the study hypothesis at an organizational level and not confined to specific diagnosis. The hypothesis to be tested is to confirm or reject the equal effectiveness of an Observational unit compared to a traditional ward for organizing in-hospital care.There are established eligibility and exclusion criteria based on clinical experience. Endpoint is length of stay and readmission within 30 days. In addition the study will give information on the use of diagnostic and treatment resources used and collect some basic demographic variables.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Emergency admitted patients only
• All patients on the list (appendix 1) with a tentative length of stay < 24 hours
• Predicted stay of less than 24 hours
• Willingness and able to sign a informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Emergency admitted patients with life threatening illnesses
• Patients with a tentative length of stay > 24 hours based on the summary of medical and logistical considerations e.g. need of major - surgery, infections with prolonged infusions of antibiotics.
• Unwillingness to sign a informed consent
• By discretion of the physician/surgeon
• Readmission of any reason in the study period (within 30 days)