NHS England to relocate patients from St Andrews Healthcare Northampton
June deadline set to safely move patients amid safety concerns
NHS England has set a deadline to relocate patients from St Andrews Healthcare Northampton by the end of June 2026 following safety concerns.
This decision, clinically led, requires NHS commissioners to start plans for transferring patients and ensure the move prioritises safety and quality.
Commissioners are tasked with relocating certain named patients by the end of June, while planning for others to progressively move from the site.
Patients will remain at St Andrews Northampton site while suitable placements are sought. NHS England is continuing improvement support and enhanced safety monitoring during this period.
Priority cohorts identified for movement in Quarter 1 include patients in adult forensic beds who do not originate from the Midlands, those in non-specialised commissioning beds, and Midlands-originating patients who are clinically ready for discharge.
Dr Nick Broughton, NHS England’s National Priority Programme Director for Mental Health, highlighted the need for NHS collaboration to safely effect the transfers.
The letters and plans to communicate with patients are available through England’s National Operations Centre.
Commissioners must review non-Midlands patients’ needs to facilitate transfer.
Complex cases will require detailed clinical assessment and planning, and commissioners should work closely with NHS England and St Andrews to develop appropriate arrangements.