Northampton MP to meet Health Secretary for crisis talks over St Andrew’s Healthcare affecting hundreds of patients and jobs

As of March 2026, St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton is undergoing a major, enforced reduction in patients (287 planned removals) following Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports finding it "inadequate" and unsafe due to ongoing, serious patient safeguarding issues. The hospital, currently under Charity Commission investigation, is amid leadership changes and police investigations into abuse.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has recently been called on to explain how it would deal with the fallout should the “unthinkable” happen and the county’s largest specialist mental healthcare charity be forced to close down.

Northampton South MP Mike Reader said this week (April 13): “Soon, I will be meeting with the Health Secretary to discuss further the deeply concerning situation at St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton, and what more can be done to protect patients and jobs. I will continue to press for answers, transparency and above all else, the safety of patients, families and staff.”

The following letter from Health Secretary Wes Streeting is in response to Mr Reader’s campaigning. The letter reads: “I recognise this is a case you have been following closely since enforcement action began, and you are right to have raised the importance of patient safety, clear communication to families and staff, and the minimisation of disruption.

“The safety issues identified at St Andrew's are unacceptable, and it is right that NHS England and the CQC are acting to keep patients safe.

“I expect the highest standards of care for all NHS patients, especially those who are most vulnerable. Early reports suggest these standards have not been met. You will be aware that police investigations are ongoing. I have no doubt this is a situation I will be writing to you about in the future, as those responsible for such serious care failings are held to account.

“In situations like this, when things have clearly gone very wrong, our first priority must be to ensure patients are quickly settled in safe and caring environments. We will continue to work closely with NHS England, the CQC and wider system partners to ensure that patients are moved safely and compassionately. I am receiving regular updates, and NHS England will continue to update you on the situation as this process progresses. Relocating patients has required NHS England to work with the wider mental health system to identify capacity. I am grateful to NHS partners for stepping up so rapidly to support this response.

“Anyone receiving mental health treatment should expect consistently safe, high-quality care. I am committed to ensuring we put in place a modernised legislative framework through the Mental Health Act 2025 which upholds patient rights and voice as well as stronger oversight, higher standards, and a system that better protects and supports some of the most vulnerable people in society.

“While my priority is working with NHSE to ensure patients are safely relocated, I will of course ensure full co-operation with the police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Alongside this work we are also asking the hard questions of NHS England, the CQC and the wider system to understand the environment in which allowed this situation to arise and so many vulnerable adults to be put in harm's way.”