NHS steps in to move more than 200 patients from Northampton mental health hospital as safety concerns continue to grow
More than 200 patients will be moved from a troubled mental health hospital in Northampton, as the NHS has stepped in due to continued safety concerns.
In a letter dated Monday March 9, NHS England confirmed all 287 inpatients at St Andrew’s Healthcare will be removed from the Northampton site.
The moves comes after a problematic period for the healthcare provider, including staff at the centre of multiple police investigations. A 45-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and ill treatment/wilful neglect, following an incident at the hospital in June 2025. Eight members of staff were also arrested following a report of an assault in July last year. One member of staff was arrested on suspicion of rape, according to Northamptonshire Police. All remain on police bail.
NHS England said it still does not have “adequate assurance that patient safety is improving at the rate it needs”, following enforcement action in December 2025, when the hospital was no longer allowed to take new patients after a damning report from the health watchdog. NHS England has also said “unacceptable issues” have been identified.
In a statement, St Andrew’s said patient wellbeing is the “priority” and they will continue to deliver improvements to patient care. Its CEO – Dr Vivienne McVey – also announced her departure on Monday, saying “now is the right time to retire”.
The NHS England letter said: “We are writing to notify you that NHS England has taken the decision that all NHS commissioners should start identifying alternative placements for their patients receiving inpatient services at the St Andrew’s Northampton site.
“This follows on from enforcement action announced in December, however we still do not have adequate assurance that patient safety is improving at the rate it needs to and our concerns about patient safety remain; we therefore must act now to ensure patients receive the care and treatment they deserve.
"This decision has been carefully considered alongside the wider ongoing work at St Andrew’s to improve patient safety and rectify unacceptable issues identified at the Northampton site.
“We are determined to tackle poor care and patient safety which is our priority. An independent team of mental health, learning disability and autism clinicians from NHS England has started work on the Northampton site to provide 24/7 enhanced oversight and assurance.”
NHS England added that it will work with provider networks to find “appropriate alternative placements for patients” and continue to support St Andrew’s to ensure the “immediate safety and the safe transition of patients from the Northampton site”.
A St Andrew’s spokesman said: “Patient wellbeing is our priority, and we are working with NHS to understand next steps to support patients and manage any change to their care.
“In the meantime, we will continue to deliver rapid and far-reaching improvements to patient care across every ward in Northampton, supported by NHS England.”
The healthcare provider also said the board will lead the appointment of an interim CEO, which it hopes to make in a few weeks’ time.
Mike Reader MP for Northampton South added: “I am shocked that the situation at St Andrews Hospital has not improved and that despite efforts from NHS England, the Northampshire ICB and West Northamptonshire Council, lessons have still not been learned.
"Patient safety must always come first, and it is right that action is taken where there are serious concerns about standards of care.
“This news will understandably cause worry for patients, families and the many dedicated staff who work at the site.
“Protecting jobs, alongside patient safety, continues to be my top priority. I will continue to stay closely engaged with NHS leaders in that effort.”
St Andrew’s sites in Birmingham and North Benfleet, Essex are not currently affected by this decision, according to NHS England.