Published Article

HeadlineKensington and Chelsea council call for acute mental health beds to be opened

Short HeadlineMore mental health beds requested by Kensington and Chelsea council

StandfirstThe council believe that more beds are needed to allow residents to be treated near their support networks.

The NHS is consulting on options for the future of acute mental health provision in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Reduced services since the pandemic have left patients having to travel miles for residential care.

Three options are being considered by the NHS. Option 1 would bring back the 51 acute beds that were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council believe that this is the best option available, but say that the ideal outcome would be to maintain all services currently at St Charles Hospital in North Kensington, and open mental health beds in South Westminster.

This comes as significant pressure has been placed upon St Charles Hospital since 2020. Nearly half the beds there are being used by Westminster residents, with Kensington and Chelsea residents being forced out of the area.

“Kensington and Chelsea is also in a unique position as residents in North Kensington have had to deal with the tragedy of Grenfell and the challenges this has created.”

Kensington and Chelsea council

The council urges residents to have their say on the consultation. It has been extended until Friday 16th February.