News

A new 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) will open at Chase Farm Hospital on Wednesday 29 July 2026, providing urgent mental health assessment and support for people across Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. 

We are the first in the country to open a second Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service, building on the success and award-winning service at Highgate. 

MHCAS provides a dedicated alternative to A&E for people experiencing a mental health crisis. It will offer rapid access to specialist mental health assessment and support in a calm, safe and therapeutic environment designed specifically for people in crisis. Once open, people can access support by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option, or by attending the service directly if they need urgent mental health support. 

A picture of the lounge area featuring artwork by service users. 

“We’ve been supported by some brilliant staff and service users and carers who have been able to help shape and design this service for us, and for that i am incredibly grateful. MHCAS is what we think will be modern mental health care that is fit for the future”  
- Jess Livesey Chief Operating Officer  

Celebrating the launch

To mark this important milestone, NLFT welcomed partners, staff, carers, community organisations and people with lived experience to Chase Farm Hospital for a special launch event celebrating the new service and the many people who helped bring it to life.

Staff from local NHS organisations, emergency services, local authorities, community partners, Trust staff and Experts by Experience attended the launch event and toured the new facility. 

 

Our staff celebrating the event. 

"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 your life.” 
Anthony Danial EbE (pictured in the middle below)

Guests heard from Trust leaders, clinicians and people with lived experience about the importance of specialist mental health crisis care and the difference the new service will make for local people. Visitors were also able to explore the new building and learn more about how people with lived experience helped shape both the service and environment. 

The event concluded with an official opening ceremony, guided tours and a cake-cutting celebration ahead of the service opening to the public later this month. 

Looking ahead 

The new Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service will open to service users on 29 July 2026. The service is being delivered in partnership with North Middlesex University Hospital, the Royal Free Group, and other local health and care partners, as part of a wider system approach to improving crisis care. 

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

For immediate danger, a physical health emergency (including overdose), or a threat to life, individuals should attend an Emergency Department or call 999.