Hundreds stuck in ‘inadequate’ hospital

The majority of patients in a hospital at the centre of a safety scandal are yet to be moved – despite orders nearly three weeks ago to transfer them, HSJ understands.

NHS England ordered the removal of nearly 300 patients from St Andrew’s Northampton, the mental health provider’s flagship hospital, on 9 March. The national organisation called on local commissioners to “act now” to transfer them.

This follows a string of serious concerns about care and conditions over the past year, which NHSE said was not improving as required. 

However, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation today told HSJ the majority of the 300 patients were yet to be moved. 

Several national mental health sector sources said they were concerned about the pace so far.

NHSE said the transfers would take place “in phases”, which it is understood to be based on the complexity of needs.

Local managers are likely to be grappling with shortages of alternative inpatient beds, as these are already often in high demand.

The hospital is also the subject of three police investigations, with 15 staff members arrested following abuse and neglect allegations.

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Source: HSJ, 26 March 2026