Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that Orchard House Day Hospital in Royton will not close entirely but will stop accepting direct referrals from 28 August. The unit, which supports people aged over 65 referred to mental health services, will remain open for existing patients while the trust draws up individual care plans.
What is changing at Orchard House
The trust said the move is part of a broader shift towards delivering more care in community settings. Details released so far indicate a pause on new direct referrals from the end of August while Pennine Care works on how support will continue for those who would previously have been sent to the Royton site.
- Site affected: Orchard House Day Hospital, Royton
- Provider: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Patients affected: people aged 65+ referred to mental health services
- Key date: 28 August — direct referrals to stop
Officials emphasise that existing patients will continue to receive support, and that the trust is creating individual care plans to manage the transition. But there are unanswered questions about where and how services for new patients will be delivered under the new model.
Concerns from the local MP and families
"It is welcome news that Orchard House itself is not closing and that existing patients will continue to receive support. However, direct referrals will stop from August 28, which is a significant change to the service." — Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton
Jim McMahon, the local Member of Parliament, welcomed confirmation that the building will remain in use but warned the change represents a significant shift in how care is accessed. He highlighted the broader role Orchard House plays beyond clinical treatment — its routine, social activities and friendships are valued by many older people and contribute to wellbeing and independence.
Mr McMahon also criticised the communication around the changes. According to his comments, both Pennine Care and Oldham Council have acknowledged that engagement "have not been as clear as they should have been". He called for more detail on what support will replace direct referrals, where it will be delivered and how those who would previously have been referred will be supported.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service status | Not closing; direct referrals will stop |
| Effective from | 28 August |
| Provider | Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust |
Families and carers have expressed unease about the practical effects of the change. The announcement in July that services would no longer be delivered at Orchard House prompted concern among those who rely on its social and therapeutic programmes. While the amended update clarifies the site will remain in use, it does not yet say where new referrals will be routed or how community-based alternatives will be rolled out.
Local campaigners often stress that day hospitals can be critical in preventing social isolation and maintaining independence for older people with mental health needs. Any move away from a familiar setting requires clear pathways and reassurance that alternatives will match the level of social and clinical support currently offered.
Pennine Care says it is planning how support can continue and is developing individual care plans for those affected. Oldham residents seeking clarity should expect further information from the trust and the council as plans are finalised. For now, the important assurance is that current patients will continue to be supported at Orchard House even as referral routes change.
