Processes of change in a psychiatric hospital are discussed. They are related to a methodical improvement of the climate. Climate was described as a balance arising between the emotional and material needs and expectations of patients and those of the hospital, as they present themselves via four levels: the skeleton, the procedures, the people and the goals. To the third level mach interest was given: the people. Based on the nurse-patient-relationship, a normatif-educational method to improve this relationship was discussed. This method was also meaningfull for improvements in other sectors of the hospital.