CHARM has received growing concerns from staff, carers, and service users regarding reports that several key mental health services currently based in the Rawnsley Building at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) may be facing relocation. The services in question include the Central East CMHT (CE CMHT), Central Home-Based Treatment Team (HBTT), and the Clozapine Clinic. At present, uncertainty is fuelling anxiety for many people who rely on these teams. We understand that Central Park has been mentioned as a potential destination, though no formal information has been shared.
Given the scale of impact such a move would have, openness and timely communication are essential. Until transparent information is provided, and meaningful consultation takes place, CHARM believes that any relocation plans should be paused. Stability matters. Trust matters. And decisions that affect the most vulnerable must be grounded in evidence, equality, and the lived realities of those who depend on these services.
Why the Rawnsley Location Matters
The Rawnsley Building occupies a well-connected, central site at the MRI, served by multiple bus routes, the wider hospital transport network, and familiar surroundings for existing service users. Many people accessing secondary mental health care experience heightened anxiety around travel, unfamiliar environments, and disruptions to routine. Stability and accessibility are therefore not optional extras—they are central to safe and effective care.
By contrast, Central Park is significantly less accessible, particularly for those dependent on public transport. Relocating essential services there would increase travel time, cost, and logistical complexity for individuals already coping with severe mental health challenges. For those requiring frequent contact—such as regular clozapine monitoring or intensive support via HBTT—these barriers could be especially detrimental.
Moreover, shifting the CE CMHT to Central Park would mean its current population would no longer have a localcommunity mental health team, undermining the principle that CMHTs should be embedded within the communities they serve.
Risks to Engagement and Continuity of Care
Centralising services at a more remote site risks:
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Higher DNA (Did Not Attend) rates
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Reduced engagement with care
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Increased anxiety and distress linked to travel and unfamiliar settings
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Disruption to therapeutic relationships and continuity of support
Such outcomes would run directly against GMMH’s stated commitment to accessible, community-based provision.
Request for Clarification and Transparency
In the interests of service users, carers, and staff, CHARM is seeking clear answers from GMMH to the following questions:
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Are there any plans to relocate the CE CMHT, Central HBTT, or the Clozapine Clinic?
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Which services, if any, are being considered for relocation?
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What alternative sites are under discussion?
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Have equality, access, or travel-impact assessments been undertaken?
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What engagement or consultation has occurred—or is planned—with service users, carers, and staff?
