NHS to remove 287 patients from troubled hospital

Hundreds of patients are to be taken out of a mental health hospital at the centre of multiple police inquiries.

NHS England (NHSE) has told health bosses around the country to find alternative arrangements for 287 inpatients at St Andrew's in Northampton.

In a letter it said it had taken the decision over continuing patient safety concerns.

St Andrew's Healthcare, which is a charity, said it was "working through the implications for staff and our patients".

Its chief executive, Dr Vivienne McVey, announced her departure in an email to staff on Monday afternoon.

Last month, the BBC revealed 15 staff members had been arrested since October 2024 following allegations of rape, ill-treatment and neglect.

Patients, relatives and whistleblowers described a culture of abuse at the unit.

Ten people remain under suspicion and have been bailed or released pending inquiries.

At the time St Andrew's said it took a "zero-tolerance approach to any allegation of harm or poor practice".

The decision to withdraw patients follows enforcement action taken against the hospital, announced in December.

In its letter, NHSE said "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," it continued.

The letter added that "unacceptable issues" had been identified at the hospital.

A report by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) also described how its inspectors saw CCTV footage of staff at St Andrew's kicking and hitting a patient during a restraint as colleagues watched on.

The BBC heard allegations of inappropriate restraint techniques being used on vulnerable patients, with some sustaining injuries.

One mother described how her slightly built daughter, a current patient, was held down by four staff members and had been knelt on.

Following the news the NHS was withdrawing its patients, she said: "At last I feel heard and that this was all for something.

"I am just sorry this didn't happen sooner. I was deeply concerned my child would never be leaving this organisation alive," she added.

Former patient Beth Sheridan said: "I think it's sad because they could have made improvements and gone on to help people that are in need.

"I hope that one day they can show change and open back up to NHS patients because there is a nationwide bed shortage and many people in need of help," she told the BBC.

Another person connected to the hospital at a senior level, who asked not to be identified, said: "Clearly this is a sign that NHSE think the board aren't doing their job.

"For NHSE to go in 24/7 they clearly have no confidence, and it would suggest there has been limited improvement.

"For some it's their home and change is difficult, so I think that's the issue for patients - and making sure the new placements meet their needs."

An NHS England spokesperson said: "The NHS is taking action to remove patients from the St Andrew's Northampton site to protect their welfare given the lack of improvements and unacceptable issues identified.

"We recognise the anxiety this will cause for everyone involved and will do everything in our power to ensure alternative placements are managed safely, sensitively, and efficiently for all patients and families."

NHSE added it was providing round the clock "enhanced oversight" at the hospital until every patient had been moved and providing support to those sites which will provide alternative care.

In a statement, St Andrew's said: "We note the letter from NHS England.

"We are working through the implications for staff and our patients.

"We look forward to working with NHS England on a long-term plan to support patients."

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