News

Today marks the opening of North London NHS Foundation Trust’s new Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) at Chase Farm Hospital, providing expanded access to urgent mental health assessment and support for people across Barnet, Enfield and Haringey.
The new 24/7 service offers a dedicated alternative to A&E for people experiencing a mental health crisis, providing specialist assessment and support in a calm, safe and therapeutic environment designed specifically for mental health care.

We are the first NHS mental health trust in the country to establish a second Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service, building on the success of its pioneering model of crisis care and expanding access to specialist support closer to home.

Supporting people in crisis

MHCAS has been designed to ensure people experiencing a mental health crisis can access timely specialist support in an environment tailored to their needs.

The service will:

• Provide faster access to urgent mental health assessment and support
• Offer a dedicated alternative to A&E
• Deliver care in a trauma-informed, recovery-focused environment
• Support collaborative decision-making with people in crisis
• Help reduce pressure on emergency departments and the London Ambulance Service

People with lived experience have played a central role in shaping the service, influencing everything from the layout of the building to the artwork and overall environment.

Take a look inside

To help people understand what MHCAS offers, we've created a video and 360° virtual tour of the new facility: Chase Farm Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) in 3D

A service shaped by lived experience
Earlier this month, staff, partners, carers, community organisations and people with lived experience came together to celebrate the launch of the new service.
Guests toured the new facility and heard about the importance of providing specialist mental health crisis care in a setting designed around people's needs.
The service has been shaped by people with lived experience, whose insights helped inform both the environment and the model of care. Features such as calming artwork, access to outdoor space, family rooms and therapeutic environments have all been designed to create a welcoming and supportive experience for people during times of crisis.

“We’ve been supported by some brilliant staff, service users and carers who have helped shape and design this service, and for that I am incredibly grateful. MHCAS is what we believe modern mental health care should look like – compassionate, accessible and fit for the future.”
Jess Livesey, Chief Operating Officer

“When I was at my lowest, a service like this could have made a real difference to me and my family. Mental health crises are frightening, and having access to the right support, in the right environment, at the right time can save lives.”
Anthony Daniel, Expert by Experience

How to access support

If you need urgent mental health support or advice, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

You can also attend the service directly if you need urgent mental health support.

Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS)
The Chase Building
Chase Farm Hospital
127 The Ridgeway
Enfield EN2 8JL

For immediate danger, a physical health emergency or any threat to life, please call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.