The preferred option

June 2026: Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation – Service Update

We have been reviewing how mental health rehabilitation services are provided across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our aim is to ensure all patients receive safe, effective and personalised care that supports their recovery, independence and overall wellbeing.
Following a detailed options appraisal process, a preferred option for the future development of services has been identified. This option (referred to as Option 1 during the review) has been considered and supported by a number of Trust boards, committees and Integrated Care System (ICS) forums.
At this stage, the preferred option comprises of:

• The proposed closure of Cromwell House Mental Health Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit.
• The proposed closure of Oak House Mental Health Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit.
• The development of a new Enhanced Community Mental Health Rehabilitation Team.
• Where patients require a Level 2 rehabilitation placement, the intention would be to place them within the ICB cluster (Coventry and Warwickshire) based upon patient need.

The proposed Enhanced Community Rehabilitation Service would provide specialist support within people’s own homes, supported housing, and other community settings. This would enable care to be delivered closer to where people live and better support recovery and independence. This approach aligns with the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which prioritises a shift from hospital-based care to community-based services.

We recognise that news of potential changes may raise questions about how care will be delivered for the patients you support. It is important to emphasise that no decisions have yet been made. Before any changes can be implemented, the proposal must undergo a robust NHS assurance process, including independent clinical review and approval from NHS England, to ensure it is safe and in the best interests of patients.

What happens next?
Several key steps still need to take place, including:

• Finalisation of a Pre-Consultation Business Case (PCBC)
• A visit from the local Clinical Senate (planned for 18–19 August 2026), including time spent with staff and service leads
• Attendance at an NHS England assurance meeting (planned for November 2026)

Subject to these stages being completed, a public consultation is expected to begin in January 2027 and run for three months. Following this, all feedback will be carefully considered before any decisions are made about next steps.
We are committed to keeping patients, families, carers and staff informed and involved throughout this process.

What this means for those you/your service supports

• There are no immediate changes to patient care
• Services at Oak House and Cromwell House will continue to operate as normal
• Patients will continue to receive support from their existing care teams