Talks over the move were launched in May after NHSE instructed commissioners in March to begin finding alternative placements for patients following enforcement action  in December 2025.  

Angela Hillery, chief executive of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We recognise the importance of these highly specialist services and the responsibility that comes with this agreement.

‘Our focus will be on working in partnership with St Andrew's Healthcare, NHS England, commissioners, patients, carers and colleagues to support a safe and well-managed transition. We are committed to listening, learning and providing compassionate, high-quality care for the people who will come under NHFT's care.'

The agreement includes medium and low secure care, the national D/deaf service and acquired brain injury services, alongside care for a number of other patients where this is needed to support safe continuity of care.

Patients will remain on the Northampton site, with services expected to be delivered from William Wake House and Fitzroy House in the longer term.

As part of the change, some buildings at St Andrew's Healthcare site in Northampton will be leased to NHFT to ensure continuity of specialist impatient care.

Specialist healthcare staff at St Andrew's will be transferred to the trust.