The median and mean asthma LOS over the period of study were 2 and 3 days, respectively. Admissions increased over the years from 8308 (2001) to 10,554 (2006) , but LOS declined within the same period. Fewer males (48%) than females (52%) were admitted and, the latter had longer LOS compared to males. Only 5% were primarily diagnosed as predominantly allergic, whilst >94% were classified as 'asthma, unspecified'. Younger people were more likely to be admitted than elderly, but the latter had higher LOS (p B0.001). The secondary diagnosis and method of admission were important diagnostic determinants of length of stay, with very marginal differences between the two statistical models ('I' & 'A'). Again, all the temporal factors were significant determinants of LOS. Overall the patient cluster model (AIC=239394.8) outperformed the area model (AIC=247899.9).