Some patients could stay at Northampton mental health hospital but troubled site would be run by different provider

St Andrew’s Healthcare has released an updated statement on Wednesday May 6 regarding the ongoing situation at St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton.

After NHS England stepped in earlier this year and announced all 287 inpatients would be removed from the site due to continued safety concerns, the provider has now confirmed a proposal to keep some of the most “complex secure patients” on the site is being explored.

In a statement posted on its website, St Andrew’s Healthcare said any services that remained on site would be delivered by an alternative mental health provider. They added that retaining some services could “provide greater certainty for existing patients and their families” and offer an opportunity for some St Andrew’s staff to continue working at the site.

The statement said: “NHS England and St Andrew’s Healthcare are currently exploring options to retain some inpatient mental health capacity at the Northampton site.

“These discussions could result in some of the most complex secure patients, including adult d/Deaf inpatients, continuing to receive care within dedicated hospital buildings. However, these services would be delivered by an alternative mental health provider.

“Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), is currently conducting due diligence on the proposal.

“Retaining inpatient services on the site would provide greater certainty for existing patients and their families, ensuring continuity of care close to home.

“It may also offer an opportunity for some St Andrew’s staff to continue working at the Northampton site, albeit with a different employer.

“These discussions do not change NHS England’s existing plan to move a cohort of patients from St Andrew’s care at the Northampton site by the end of June.”

The provider added that NHS England is working on site with staff and said St Andrew’s “continues to make improvements to the quality of care for inpatients”.

NHS England made the decision to take action at the hospital in March after it said it still did 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 also said “unacceptable issues” were identified.

The move came after a problematic period for the healthcare provider, including staff at the centre of multiple police investigations.

Shortly after NHS England announced its intentions, another damning CQC report was published, which included 14 breaches of regulation. Inspectors also said they saw CCTV of staff assaults and saw incidents of staff falling asleep during enhanced observations.

Northampton South MP Mike Reader met with the Health Secretary in April to discuss the “deeply concerning” situation and what can be done to protect patients and jobs.

Councillor Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, also wrote to the Government in April asking for clarity and “national accountability”.