The Priory Hospital North London

Updated 8 June 2026

The Priory Hospital North London is a 53‑bedded independent hospital providing treatment and support for people with mental illness, obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD), and those recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. The hospital comprises three wards; however, for this inspection we visited only Oak Ward and Lower Court. On these wards we inspected the provision of care for adults of working age requiring mental health support.

We carried out a comprehensive assessment of The Priory North London on 28 and 29 April 2026.

At the previous inspection in March 2023, the hospital was rated requires improvement overall, with ratings of good in the caring, effective and responsive key questions. We required the provider to make improvements in medicines management, physical health observations following the administration of rapid tranquillisation, and the formal involvement of patients and carers in the hospital’s governance processes. Since that inspection, the hospital has closed its Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) ward.

At this assessment, we found improvements in all of these areas. Our rating of the service has improved, and we have rated the service as good. The service is no longer in breach of regulations.

Updated 17 February 2026

At the previous inspection in March 2023, the hospital was rated requires improvement overall, with ratings of good in the caring, effective and responsive key questions. We required the provider to make improvements in medicines management, physical health observations following the administration of rapid tranquillisation, and the formal involvement of patients and carers in the hospital’s governance processes. Since that inspection, the hospital has closed its Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) ward.

At this assessment, we found improvements in all of these areas. Our rating of the service has improved, and we have rated the service as good. The service is no longer in breach of regulations.

The ward environments were clean and well maintained, and there were enough nurses and doctors to meet patients’ needs. Staff assessed and managed risk effectively. They minimised the use of restrictive practices, managed medicines safely and followed good safeguarding practice.

Staff developed holistic, recovery‑oriented care plans based on comprehensive assessments. They provided a range of treatments that met patients’ needs and were in line with national guidance and best practice. Staff participated in clinical audit to monitor and improve the quality of care.

The multidisciplinary team included, or had access to, the range of specialists required to meet patients’ needs. Managers ensured staff received appropriate training, supervision and appraisal. Staff worked well together as a multidisciplinary team and collaborated effectively with external services involved in patients’ aftercare.

Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and demonstrated an understanding of individual needs. Staff actively involved patients and their families or carers in decisions about care and treatment.

Staff told us they felt respected, supported and valued. They said they could raise concerns without fear and that these were taken seriously. Staff described feeling positive and proud to work for the provider and said the leadership team prioritised staff wellbeing and promoted a culture of good practice, high‑quality care and safe treatment.

Governance processes operated effectively, and performance and risk were well managed.

Updated 8 September 2023

See summary above.