Council presses Government for clarity and action over St Andrew’s Healthcare Northampton
22 April 2026
West Northamptonshire Council is escalating concerns to Government and national NHS bodies, pressing for clear answers and assurances over the future of St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton following serious concerns.
St Andrew’s Healthcare Northampton is an independent charitable provider delivering specialist mental health services commissioned by the NHS. Responsibility for inspection, regulation and enforcement rests with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with NHS England leading enhanced oversight and improvement following the identification of serious concerns at the Northampton site.
While the Council is not the commissioner or regulator, it is deeply concerned about the impact of the current situation on patients and staff, and the wider consequences for Northampton if risks are not properly managed. The Council has received limited clarity on future plans, including how risks such as potential job losses, pressures on local services and the management of incidents will be addressed.
In response, Cllr Mark Arnull Leader of West Northamptonshire Council has written directly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, to formally set out these concerns and press for clear national leadership and accountability for next steps.
“We have expressed our serious concerns to the Government about St Andrew’s in Northampton and seek immediate assurance on how patients will be protected and supported, clarity on support for the local workforce, and an understanding of how the impacts on Northampton and local services will be managed. We have made it clear that, given the scale and significance of St Andrew’s to the local economy and healthcare system, appropriate national NHS support must be in place.”Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council
“The lack of clarity about the future of St Andrew’s Healthcare is deeply concerning. Whilst the Council is not the regulator, we are determined to press for clear national leadership and assurances on patient safety and support for staff. Given the importance of St Andrew’s to our community, appropriate support must be in place, and we will continue to escalate until clear answers are provided.”Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member of Adult Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council
West Northamptonshire Council will continue to challenge, escalate and seek assurance from Government, NHS England and regulatory partners until there is clear visibility of future arrangements. In parallel, the Council is working closely with partners to ensure concerns are properly monitored and escalated under national oversight, while remaining focused on patient safety, support for staff and protection of local communities.