How improved patient flow meant no out-of-area placements for two years (HSJ, 2 July 2025)

Summary

Last month, Central and North West London Foundation Trust marked two years without a single out-of-area placement for our residents who need access to acute adult mental health care. In a system under significant pressure, that’s no small feat - and it hasn’t come from a silver bullet or a one-off initiative. It’s come from relentless, daily focus on flow, data, and leadership.

Graeme Caul, chief operating officer at Central and North West London Foundation Trust, outlines how the trust achieved two years without out-of-area placements