Agenda item - Temporary Closure of Chalk Hill Hospital: Update April 2026

35.1    This item was presented by John Child, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) Chief Operating Officer. Mr Child outlined progress in developing a new operating model for Chalkhill and in improving the condition of the estate.

35.2    Cllr Hill asked about admissions to acute young people mental health beds while Chalkhill has been closed. Mr Child replied that there have been 14 admissions to other adolescent units, 3 to psychiatric intensive care units, one to an under-13 inpatient unit, and 7 to specialist eating disorder beds. No patients have been admitted to adult acute mental health beds or to general paediatric wards.

35.3    Cllr Parrott asked where the general admissions had been. Mr Child replied that 10 had been within the local footprint (covering Kent and Surrey), whilst 4 had been elsewhere in the UK where particular specialist support was required.

35.4    Cllr Parrott asked whether any adverse future impacts from the temporary closure were anticipated. Mr Child responded that, to date there hasn’t been any increase in waits for admission in A&E. It may be that enhancing crisis services has helped manage any additional demand.

35.5    The Chair asked when the unit will reopen. Mr Child replied that this is still scheduled for autumn 2026.

35.6    RESOLVED – that the report be noted.