Publish date: 20 April 2026
Reducing the use of long term segregation
Our pioneering HOPE(S) model, piloted nationally by NHS England, continues to attract positive attention and feedback.
The model, which focuses on harnessing key relationships, providing opportunities, identifying preventative strategies, enhancing skills and supporting the system - has been described as a relentlessly positive approach to supporting people in long term segregation. Practitioners, led by Mersey Care, have worked in more than 40 organisations across 68 hospital settings in England and have supported more than 174 individuals on their care journey.
Last year a major independent evaluation by Manchester Metropolitan University documented the impact of persistent trauma, helplessness and isolation felt by patients and their families, and the positive effect the HOPE(S) interventions have had. Senior leads have presented to their peers internationally as part of the World Health Organisation.
And now Cambridge University Press have published a new study of long-term segregation from different perspectives. This 2026 report examines the impact of HOPE(S) with qualitative data from more than 70 people with lived experience, staff, commissioners and regulators. The authors conclude that “LTS is not a therapeutic intervention and is associated with profound psychological harm”. Their report calls for urgent reform. You can view it on our dedicated public webpage.
Also on that page is a link to the UK Parliament website to see the transcript of our clinical director, Dr Jennifer Kilcoyne, speaking to MPs on the Health and Social Care Select Committee last month (pictured below). Dr Kilcoyne told them: "Change is possible. It is possible at scale. Profound outcomes can be delivered. The return on investment is significant, ethically, clinically and financially."
The committee went on to recommend renewed national funding for HOPE(S). It also called for mandatory ICB uptake of the programme.
Dr Kilcoyne wants to thank colleagues for their commitment and hard work in delivering the model. She particularly acknowledges the courage and input of people with lived experience in the continuing development of HOPE(S).
