Care Worker Arrested for Alleged Rape of Patient at Private Mental Health Hospital
Eight workers at St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton have been arrested over an alleged assault, with one specifically detained on suspicion of rape. The arrests relate to incidents reported in July 2025, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations at the facility.
Details of the Arrests and Allegations
Northamptonshire Police have confirmed that one suspect among the eight arrested employees was taken into custody on suspicion of rape. All individuals were originally detained on suspicion of wilful neglect and ill treatment concerning assault allegations against a patient. They have since been released on bail as the complex investigation continues.
The police statement emphasised the seriousness of the situation, noting that detectives from CID and the major crime team are involved. Authorities maintain contact with the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care, due to the nature of the investigations.
Multiple Police Investigations at St Andrew's Healthcare
This latest incident adds to a series of police probes at St Andrew's Hospital over the past year. A separate investigation is underway into the death of a patient in February 2025, resulting in five arrests on suspicion of corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter. Of those, four have been released with no further action, while one remains on bail for wilful neglect by a care worker.
Additionally, police launched a corporate manslaughter investigation following the death of a teenager in October 2024. After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, no further action was taken, though a report will be prepared for the Coroner ahead of an inquest.
Hospital Response and Internal Actions
A spokesperson for St Andrew's Healthcare stated the organisation has a zero-tolerance approach to allegations of harm and immediately reports all matters to the police, as occurred with the July 2025 case. Due to the active police investigation, the hospital declined to comment further but confirmed that all staff involved were immediately suspended.
Several employees have since been dismissed following internal investigations and disciplinary processes. The hospital has also referred several individuals to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, highlighting the severity with which these allegations are being treated internally.
Background on St Andrew's Healthcare
St Andrew's Healthcare is a registered charity providing inpatient mental healthcare services to the NHS across its three major hospitals in Northampton, Birmingham, and Essex. It receives patients from across the United Kingdom, including individuals from Scotland and Wales.
The provider earns more than £200 million annually from NHS contracts, which constitute its primary source of income. It also offers specialist inpatient services, such as care for deaf adults, underscoring its significant role in the national healthcare landscape.
Police continue to work diligently to establish what happened in each incident and urge anyone with information to come forward. The ongoing investigations reflect broader concerns about patient safety and care standards in mental health facilities.
