Cygnet Health Care has been recognised for multiple examples of good practice across its neuro services in the first-ever report published by the Quality Network for Neuro Services (QN-Neuro).
The inaugural report, released by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, highlights the work of participating neuro services across the UK during QN-Neuro’s first year in operation.
Established in 2024, the initiative was created to strengthen quality, consistency and collaboration across neuropsychiatry and neurobehavioural rehabilitation pathways through shared learning, benchmarking and continuous quality improvement.
The report brings together insights from teams, patients, carers and partner organisations, reflecting a collective commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for individuals living with neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
It showcases innovation, compassionate care, and effective multidisciplinary working – all areas where Cygnet services were repeatedly acknowledged.
Examples of best practice included:
Care and treatment
At Cygnet Lodge and Cygnet Grange in Nottinghamshire, teams were praised for minimising blanket restrictions and maximising patient voice, supporting people to make choices and engage in meaningful activities such as real work opportunities and therapeutic earnings programmes.
Discharge Planning
Across Cygnet’s neuro services, teams were commended for using Visual Discharge Plans, designed to meet individual communication needs and ensure patients are actively involved in setting goals.
Risk & Safeguarding
At Cygnet St William’s in Darlington, reflective learning is embedded in the culture, the QN-Neuro report said. Environmental changes, improved PBS (positive behavioural support) planning and care plan enhancements followed incident reviews, demonstrating strong learning and safety improvement processes.
Staffing & Wellbeing
Cygnet Pindar House was praised for its high staff morale. Support workers spoke of feeling heard by management, with support worker clinics providing a welcome and safe forum to share their ‘on the ground’ perspectives.
Dr Matt Rowett, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at Cynget, said: “The QN-Neuro standards offer a robust framework for benchmarking performance, strengthening pathways and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Being recognised across so many categories reflects the dedication, expertise and compassionate care delivered by Cygnet’s multidisciplinary teams.
“The report reinforces Cygnet’s commitment to delivering person-centred, recovery-focused care, supporting staff development and wellbeing, and strengthening partnerships with families, carers and external services.”
Best Neurological Care Provider Award
The recognition comes on the heels of a major award win for Cygnet.
The care provider, which operates ten specialist neuropsychiatric rehabilitation services across the UK, was named Best Neurological Care Provider at the Neurological and Complex Care Awards in October.
Judges praised Cygnet’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with complex brain injuries and neurological conditions.
Accepting the award, Rachael Chamberlain, Business Development Director for Cygnet’s Neurological Services, said: “We are all incredibly proud of this achievement. It is a testament to the hardworking and skilled staff across our neuropsychiatric rehabilitation services who, through outstanding care and treatment, make a real difference to the lives of individuals affected by neurological conditions. Each day, they help people to achieve the best possible outcomes.”