Published on: 6 June 2025
A ‘game changing’ new mental health crisis care facility has been opened in Stafford by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT).
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the Villages joined MPFT Chair Jackie Small, Chief Executive Neil Carr and Trust partners and colleagues in formally opening the new centre, located at St George’s Hospital today (Friday 6 June).
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the specialised facility will offer urgent assessment and support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis who have come into contact with emergency services.
It serves as an alternative to emergency departments for people facing urgent but non-life-threatening mental health needs, supporting MPFT’s health and care partners in the West Midlands.
Speaking at the opening event, Neil said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been joined by Leigh Ingham MP, our partners and colleagues in celebrating the opening. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s critically important they receive the right level of support in the most appropriate environment. This new facility is purpose built to do just that, offering assessment and support to individuals in urgent need.”
“It’s a real game changer in terms of the impact it will make in the West Midlands, particularly for our acute partners in serving as an alternative to emergency departments.
“This is the culmination of an incredible amount of hard work by so many people and I thank them all for their commitment in bringing this wonderful new centre to life.”
The new facility will greatly enhance the care and support the Trust is able to offer individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. As well as providing a Crisis Care Suite comprising two crisis assessment rooms, it will also house the Trust’s new 136 Suite, offering a health-based place of safety for people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
A key aspect of the new 136 Suite is its ability to accommodate both a child or young person, as well as an adult admission at the same time should this be required.
Services will be tailored to meet an individual's specific needs and preferences, enabling them to be involved in decisions about their care.
The facility’s safe and supportive environment also reduces the risk of self-harm or harm to others, and ensures patients are treated with dignity and respect.
To learn more about the centre you can watch this episode of The MPFT Podcast https://
Reducing the number of patients waiting long periods in emergency departments for mental health admissions is one of the key priorities set out in the government’s urgent and emergency plan, published today.
The plan explains how over 600 million of capital investment will support a range of initiatives including the roll out of mental health crisis centres as well as additional mental health inpatient capacity - that will provide faster care for thousands of people in crisis every month.