This is the last article in the four‐part series on relocation. Part 1 reviewed the literature and proposed guidelines for good practice. Part 2 described the implementation procedures used at Prudhoe Hospital to minimise the adverse effects of relocation. Part 3 reported on a study that looked at changes in the health and behaviour of 89 residents who moved between wards at that hospital. Part 4 tackles the issue of evaluation, using a qualitative, person‐centred approach. It is hoped that lessons may be learned by managers and professionals from the insight this article provides into what actually happens to individuals, and their relationships, when they are reloca