Publish date: 30 December 2025
People suffering mental health emergencies will now receive specialist care instead of waiting in A&E. It’s thanks to the opening of a new mental health crisis assessment service at West Middlesex Hospital run by West London NHS Trust.
Lakeside Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) will act as an A&E front door for people needing urgent mental health treatment and will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The pioneering new service has received more than £4 million investment with the goal of early intervention when people are in a crisis, providing a therapeutic environment in a calmer setting than A&E.
The team delivering the care are specialist mental health professionals. The service will reduce the number of patients experiencing mental health crisis waiting in A&E and is expected to support thousands of people a year.
Dr Nick Hipkins, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical lead for Lakeside MHCAS said: "Our clinical approach is holistic and recovery-focused, aiming to provide timely, compassionate care that not only supports people in the moment but also helps prevent the escalation of mental illness.
“This new service can act as a vital pressure release valve for A&E departments, offering an alternative, therapeutic setting for those in crisis."
Sonya Clinch, Clinical Director for Acute Mental Health Services at West London NHS Trust said: “The Lakeside Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service reflects our deep commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care in our local communities while also helping to ease pressure on A&E departments and other frontline services.
“It’s a vital step forward that aligns with the ambitions of the NHS’ 10 Year Plan to improve access to urgent mental health support.”
She added that these types of alternatives to A&E show that comprehensive assessment and same-day intervention in an appropriate environment can reduce admissions, improve patient and carer experience, and ease pressure on the wider urgent and emergency care system.
The launch of Lakeside MHCAS is being delivered in two phases, The facility will be able to accommodate 4-6 patients at a time, increasing to 8-12 patients as work is already underway to expand capacity and ensure the service can provide quality care to a greater number of people. Phase two is expected to be completed by Autumn 2026.