Across CNTW, and in line with our Delivering Tomorrow With You in Mind service transformation plan, we are taking a phased approach to reviewing how mental health rehabilitation services can best support people’s recovery, independence and return to their communities.

As part of this work, we had intended to begin a wider programme of engagement about the future model of rehabilitation services in Newcastle and Gateshead. This engagement has been delayed and will now begin later than originally planned. We remain fully committed to carrying it out and to involving patients, carers, staff, local authorities, commissioners, voluntary and community organisations, and other local stakeholders in shaping the longer-term model.

In the meantime, we have taken an operational decision to temporarily close Elm House. This follows the completion of a comprehensive programme of refurbishment and improvement in another rehabilitation inpatient facility in (Willow View) which has now reopened as a dedicated Level 2 male rehabilitation ward.

The temporary closure will support the safe reopening and operation of Willow View, including the effective use of the specialist workforce across our rehabilitation services. It will also support the Trust’s wider winter planning arrangements by helping us to use our available staffing and resources as safely and effectively as possible during a period of increased operational pressure.

This is a temporary operational decision, which will be reviewed in June 2027. It does not determine the longer-term future of Elm House or the future model of Level 1 rehabilitation services in Newcastle and Gateshead. These issues will be considered through the forthcoming wider engagement, which will explore how best to provide a modern and sustainable rehabilitation pathway, including the balance between inpatient provision, community-based rehabilitation and support that enables people to live as independently as possible.

We recognise that stakeholders will want to understand what this means for the longer-term provision of rehabilitation services. No final decision has been made about the future model. The forthcoming engagement will provide an opportunity to consider a range of possibilities and to hear directly from patients, carers, staff, partners and local communities about what works well, what needs to improve and what future support should look like.

We will provide further information shortly about the revised timetable and how stakeholders can take part.

Ramona Duguid

Chief Operating Officer