Inside the Lotus Assessment Suite: Supporting people in mental health crisis
Nurse-led and purpose-built, the Lotus Assessment Suite provides a calm, safe space for people experiencing acute mental health crises - offering timely assessments, compassionate care, and a pathway to recovery.
The suite is made up of two distinct areas: the Health Based Place of Safety (HBPoS) and the Psychiatric Decision Unit (PDU). Together, they serve patients from across south west London who are referred via A&E departments, crisis hubs, or community mental health teams.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day 2025, we spoke to Harriet Nakigudde, Unit Manager at the Lotus Assessment Suite, to find out more.
A place of safety
“The HBPoS is designed for individuals detained under Sections 135 or 136 of the Mental Health Act. These are people who have been identified by police officers as being at immediate risk to themselves or others due to mental illness, and who lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
“The unit comprises two ensuite rooms, each carefully designed to support people while they undergo a Mental Health Act Assessment. The goal is to determine the most appropriate care pathway - whether that’s hospital admission, community support, or another form of support.”
A space to think and recover
“The PDU provides a therapeutic alternative to A&E for adults in crisis who retain capacity to consent to treatment. Patients can stay for up to 48 hours, during which they receive a comprehensive assessment and a collaborative crisis care plan. The aim is to stabilise, support, and discharge patients back into the community with the right care in place—whether that’s through their GP, community mental health teams, social services, or voluntary and community organisations.
“Patients are encouraged to maintain independence during their stay. All meals are self-service and available around the clock. There’s also a range of activities to support recovery, from self-help workbooks and arts and crafts to garden games and visits from peer support workers
“The impact is significant. Over 80% of patients admitted to the Lotus PDU avoid hospital admission, instead returning home or to respite care with tailored support. This not only reduces pressure on acute wards but also promotes less restrictive, more person-centred care.”
A multidisciplinary team
“The Lotus Assessment Suite is staffed by a dedicated team including nurses, a consultant psychiatrist, a pharmacist, a non-medical prescriber, and a resident doctor. Together, they hold regular multidisciplinary meetings, review medications, and ensure that every patient receives holistic, compassionate care."
Innovation and recognition
“Lotus has been recognised for its innovative approach to crisis care. In 2023, the unit became the first in the mental health crisis pathway to offer HIV and Hepatitis B testing. It also completed a Quality Improvement project on Clozapine point-of-care testing, and was awarded the South London Partnership’s Choice Award for Quality Improvement and Innovation.
“An independent review in 2024 praised the unit’s “exemplary” standard of care and described the Lotus model as “exciting and innovative.” In response to rising demand and increasing complexity of presentations, the unit has adapted, adding another discharge chair to improve patient flow and reduce pressure on emergency departments.
“The Lotus Assessment Suite is more than just a place of safety - it’s a place of hope, recovery, and innovation. By providing timely, compassionate care in a purpose-built environment, we’re helping people in crisis find their way back to stability and independence.”
