Published on: 28 September 2026
A new 24-hour centre offering rapid, specialist assessment in a calmer and more private setting has opened in Derby for people attending the Royal Derby Hospital Emergency Department in a self-defined mental health crisis.
The Mental Health Urgent Assessment Centre (MHUAC) has been developed on the same site as the Royal Derby Hospital.
Earlier this year, capital funding was secured for the assessment centre, which will support patients already attending the Emergency Department (ED) at the Royal Derby Hospital whose mental health needs could be better supported in the MHUAC. Referrals will be made through the Trust’s existing clinical teams, with care provided in the new MHUAC setting. Initially, the service will only take referrals from the Royal Derby Hospital ED. The MHUAC cannot currently accept any walk-in patients.
The Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster - which plans health services, allocate NHS resources and oversee improvements in health outcomes - has recently confirmed that similar capital funding has been identified to develop a MHUAC in Chesterfield, working towards opening by 2029. A site has not yet been identified for the Chesterfield MHUAC, and further updates will be shared as the development progresses.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new MHUAC is a vital addition to the mental services we currently offer to people and will greatly improve the experience and outcomes of those who present at ED with a self-defined mental health crisis.
“Thank you to all Trust colleagues who have worked tirelessly to ensure the MHUAC meets the needs of those who require this essential service. Also, a big thank you to our partners across the system, particularly colleagues at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton for working together on pathway designs.”
