Publish date: 6 June 2025
West London NHS Trust is pleased to announce the opening of two secure wards at The Orchard unit in West London Forensic Services (WLFS) with additional beds, extending our care to more women in London. Fifteen beds have opened, expanding the capacity of women’s secure services and bringing the total number of available beds to 50. This move is part of a wider effort to improve care for women with complex mental health needs across North London.
The project has been funded by the North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC), a collaboration of Trusts across London including Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust (BEH), Central North-West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), North-East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), and West London NHS.
The goal is to ensure that women who require specialist medium secure care can access it in the right setting.
- Damson Ward offers inpatient care for women with mental disorders and complex communication needs, including those related to an intellectual disability, autism, or cognitive impairment who need treatment under the Mental Health Act (MHA) in conditions of security.
- Parkland Ward is an admissions and assessment unit, providing inpatient care in conditions of medium security to women. It focuses on stabilising patients, reducing risk, and preparing them for the next steps in their recovery journey.
The women’s secure service is designed to provide safe, high-quality, and gender-sensitive care. The multidisciplinary team works under the Recovery Model, which focuses on addressing the biopsychosocial needs of each patient.
This expansion marks a renewed commitment to providing compassionate, specialist care for women in secure environments across the region.
Dr Catherine Penny, WLFS Clinical Director said; “We’re really pleased to be opening these two wards in the Orchard Unit. I would like to thank all those in the service and elsewhere in the Collaborative who have been involved in planning and delivering the models of care for the wards. Damson and Parkland will play an essential part in meeting the needs of women in North London who have a mental disorder and whose behaviour has put others at risk or caused harm.”
Mark Landy, Managing Director of North London Forensic Collaborative said; "The opening of additional women's services provides an opportunity to deliver care closest to home for those typically placed out of area.
“We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where women can receive the care they need, in the least restrictive environment, whilst taking an active role in making choices about the support they need."