In an update yesterday, NHSE said the trust was currently conducting due diligence on a proposal to continue to care for some of the most complex secure patients, including deaf inpatients, continuing to receive care within dedicated hospital buildings.

NHSE said this did not impact its plans announced in March to move a cohort of priority patients to other providers by the end of June.

The Charity Commission opened a regulatory compliance case into St Andrew's Healthcare in March to assess concerns about the oversight of safeguarding provision.

On the same day, Dr Vivienne McVey announced her retirement as chief executive.

The CQC imposed a restriction on new admissions to the service in July 2025 which remains in place.

A CQC inspection of St Andrew's in September 2025 found CQC footage showing the use of inappropriate restraint and staff assaulting patients.

Chris Dzikiti, chief inspector of mental health at the Care Quality Commission said: ‘We are in regular contact with St Andrew's and NHSE. What is most important is the safety of all the people at St Andrew's Northampton during this transition period and beyond. We are keeping strong oversight, regularly visiting the site and talking to patients, to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents.'

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘Northamptonshire Healthcare is currently conducting due diligence on a proposal to provide a range of inpatient services on the current St Andrew's Healthcare Northampton site. Any decisions taken on this proposal will be based on safety and quality considerations.'