Unison Demands Urgent Meeting Over Job Security at St Andrew's Healthcare

Unison has called for an urgent meeting regarding job security at St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton after NHS England relocated hundreds of patients due to care concerns. The hospital, which employs around 2,000 staff and provides specialist mental health care for approximately 600 people with complex needs, faces uncertainty following the patient relocations.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has highlighted more cases of patients being assaulted by staff at St Andrew's. According to its latest inspection report, CCTV footage revealed two incidents of staff assaulting patients and a staff member covering a patient's mouth during a restraint. The report also noted six instances where observing nurses were found asleep while supposed to be monitoring patients.

Nadeem Samari, East Midlands regional organiser for Unison, expressed concern over the impact on both staff and patients. He stated that members feel 'upset and anxious' about their future and the well-being of those they care for. The union has requested an urgent meeting with the charity to discuss contingency plans and ensure job security.

St Andrew's Healthcare acknowledged the concerns but emphasized its commitment to staff and patients. A spokesperson noted that they are actively engaging with recognized unions to seek further clarity on NHS England's timetable for moving patients from their Northampton hospital. The decision to withdraw patients follows enforcement action taken against the hospital in December 2025, with NHS England citing continuing patient safety concerns.

Dr Vivienne McVey, the chief executive of St Andrew's Healthcare, announced her departure in an email to staff on Monday afternoon. Samari described this move as 'deeply disappointing,' stating it sends a bad signal to members, patients, and their families. He criticized McVey for not taking responsibility or accountability for management failures.

Mike Reader, the Labour MP for Northampton South, expressed deep concern about the situation for the hospital's employees. He has been in contact with unions and the leadership team at St Andrew's to understand the impact and is hopeful that an alternative solution can be found to prevent closure. Possible solutions include increased NHS control of services or scaling back facilities.

Meanwhile, a recent survey by The Guardian revealed alarming statistics about the treatment of NHS staff. The 2025 staff survey found that one in seven had experienced violence from patients or the public, while more than a quarter reported harassment, bullying and abuse, the highest levels in three years. Sexual harassment has also reached record levels, with nearly one in 10 NHS workers reporting unwanted sexual behaviour in the past year.

The survey also unveiled the extent of racism and discrimination within the NHS. One in five Black and minority ethnic staff reported abuse, bullying or harassment from patients or the public, compared with just one in 20 white staff. Nearly one in 10 workers reported experiencing discrimination from patients or other members of the public while at work.

The Royal College of Nursing general secretary, Prof Nicola Ranger, described the findings as revealing 'the torrent of violence, sexual assaults, discrimination and abuse' faced by nursing and other NHS staff. She emphasized that this is a national emergency for staff safety.