Innovative, community-first approach confirmed following extensive consultation
NHS North West London, the local integrated care board (ICB) has approved a new, modern model of care for adults needing acute mental health support in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. This marks a major step forward in delivering high-quality, community-based care and ensuring services are more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to local needs.
Following an extensive public consultation and robust stakeholder engagement, the ICB has agreed to:
- Permanently close the inpatient wards at the Gordon Hospital, following their temporary closure during the pandemic;
- Maintain and expand community-based services, which have proven effective in delivering less restrictive, more person-centred care;
- Enhance and retain the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) at St Charles Hospital, in direct response to feedback from residents and partners;
- Invest in five crisis and five step-down beds in the south of Westminster, jointly funded with Westminster City Council, with a focus on supporting people experiencing homelessness (This is subject to ICB and Westminster City Council approval of a business case once the location of the beds is confirmed).
This decision reflects a clear shift towards more compassionate, effective, and modern mental health care, aligned with national best practice and the preferences of many local people.
Toby Lambert, Executive Director of Strategy and Population Health at NHS North West London, said:
“We want to thank everyone who took part in and responded to the public consultation, which has helped shape our final decision. We are excited by the shift towards better mental health services in the community, with inpatient beds, including step down beds, for those who need them. All the evidence and national direction of travel suggests this is best for service users.”
The new model will support more people in the community, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, and ensure beds are available for those who need them most. Since the Gordon Hospital’s closure in 2020, out-of-area placements have fallen to zero and the need for restrictive care has dropped significantly. Meanwhile, new services like crisis alternatives, enhanced community mental health hubs, and step-down support have helped transform local mental health provision.
Notes to Editors:
- The public consultation ran from October 2023 to February 2024, with over 770 responses.
- Full details of the Decision-Making Business Case (DMBC) are available on the NHS North West London website.
- The ICB and partners will now progress plans to mobilise the additional crisis and step-down beds and continue working with communities to co-produce and improve services.