Scrutiny of proposed changes to acute mental health provision in central London

• The Joint Scrutiny Committee meetings were an opportunity for residents to examine the ongoing NHS consultation about the future of acute mental health provision in Westminster and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
• The Committee suggested that the NHS ensures it speaks with those people who will be directly affected by the proposed changes and ensures they have spoken to the right people, partners, and community groups.
• It also raised concerns about the NHS’s proposed reductions to bed numbers and the impact on residents who need acute mental health care, their families and friends, and other partners such as hospitals, community mental health services and the police.

On 11 January, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea residents and Councillors had the opportunity to scrutinise the ongoing NHS consultation about the future of acute mental health services in both boroughs at a Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC). At the session, NHS representatives spoke about the on-going public consultation and the rationale of their proposed offer. One of the consultation’s proposed changes is the permanent closure of the Gordon Hospital’s pre-existing acute mental health services.

The Committee raised concerns about the number and diversity of groups who the NHS have consulted. They highlighted that the consultation had not reached enough residents directly affected by acute mental health provision or the voluntary and community organisations who support these residents. Moreover, the Committee emphasised the need for financial transparency and that it is keen to see a detailed breakdown of the service costs referenced in the consultation documents. NHS representatives reassured those present that they will engage with residents and stakeholders that have not yet been contacted.

The Committee also considered the best way to engage effectively with people who do not want to attend community meetings or online sessions. It noted it would be more effective to meet in a setting where service users feel most comfortable.

The Committee also heard from Professor Jill Manthorpe from Kings College London and Cleo Chalk, Service Manager at Healthwatch. Professor Manthorpe and Chalk noted that the Gordon Hospital was the only facility with acute mental health beds in Westminster. Since its closure, the voluntary and community sector (VCS) has helped support more people with acute mental health needs. Chalk outlined the need to create strong links between NHS staff and VCS organisations like homelessness charities to provide consistent and sustainable care.

The session also discussed how other partners, such as the police, could be impacted by the lack of acute mental health services. The Committee questioned whether the proposed changes could push demand to other sides of the health and social care sectors and to people traveling longer distances to access the care and support they need.

After attending the meeting, the Westminster City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector Cllr Nafsika Butler Thalassis said:

I urge people to take their time and consider all the options to make the most informed decision possible. For us, we have concerns about how the language and formatting of the consultation documents appears to favour one option over the others.

We have seen an increase in the need for acute mental health provision, but the NHS’s proposal suggests a reduction in beds. The Committee rightfully highlighted the knock-on effect this reduction will have on the community, such as more callouts involving the police, added pressures to social workers travelling longer distances, and possible disruption to residents’ care.

Cllr Josh Rendall, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at the Royal Borough for Kensington and Chelsea added:

It’s vital that local people have their say on acute mental health provision in central London. We know that our residents across both boroughs have been significantly affected by the closure of the Gordon Hospital and by the NHS using St Charles Hospital’s acute mental health beds in Kensington and Chelsea for Westminster residents as well.

I also urge again the NHS to consider the impact on the North Kensington residents, who have been severely affected by the Grenfell tragedy, if they have less access to or lose services that are currently based at St Charles. The proposals to withdraw services for the wider community and residents affected by the Grenfell tragedy should be re-considered. I don’t believe that this has been looked at properly or that those most affected have been spoken to about what they want.

Read Westminster City Council’s motion on the Gordon Hospital.

Find details of Kensington and Chelsea Council’s perspective.