Children’s unit to close over staffing and CQC concerns

A children’s mental health unit struggling with short staffing has been forced to close for several months, in the wake of a Care Quality Commission inspection.

Chalkhill Hospital, an inpatient unit run by Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust in the grounds of the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, has capacity for up to 16 young people aged 12 to 17.

The trust confirmed it has closed to new admissions and, although it is not at full capacity, is seeking to relocate its seven current residents. However, the trust expects this to take up to 12 weeks. 

A board paper shows the trust was contemplating closure from mid-September, citing “no consultant cover”, and said admissions were paused following concerns from the CQC.

The CQC inspected the unit at the end of August, but has not yet published its report, and would not comment further.

HSJ understands the trust has recently recruited a new “responsible clinician” – a regulated role required for patients detained under the Mental Health Act – but they will not take up the post for several weeks.

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Source: HSJ, 6 October 2025