In 2023, Cygnet became the first independent provider of health and social care services to be accredited by the Carers Trust Triangle of Care programme.
Cygnet Bury Dunes, Cygnet Bury Forestwood and Cygnet Bury Hudson have now been recognised for their continued efforts and commitment to improving the way the services work with carers and families.
The three hospitals have achieved the one-star accreditation, meaning staff have successfully demonstrated their commitment to making a difference to the lives of carers. Sixteen Cygnet services have now been awarded the recognition.
Reviewing the application, Carers Trust and peer reviewers commented: “The team’s commitment and dedication to supporting carers was clear to see. They demonstrated that Cygnet’s corporate-wide approach to supporting carers is well understood and utilised.
“We heard how carers receive monthly updates from social workers, from nurses and are invited to the monthly ward round. Carers are signposted to Blackbelt Carers Advocacy and to Bury Carers Hub, and information is provided in welcome packs to carers.
“Carers Trust and the peer panel can see good evidence that a ‘think carer’ culture is being embedded. We look forward to seeing Cygnet Bury’s continued improvement journey, such as plans to involve carers in delivering staff training.
Beth Clamp, Hospital manager at Cygnet Bury Dunes, said: “The Dunes team are very proud of this recognition, as we all acknowledge the important role that carers play in supporting and rehabilitating their loved ones.
“I am very proud of the team at Dunes for their dedication to supporting and involving carers and recognising the importance of carer involvement in enabling us to provide high-level care to our service users from admission through to discharge.
“The Dunes has five wards from PICU and Acute to secure services and also cares for Deaf service users. It is amazing to see that the Triangle of Care has been embedded across all of our services and that Deaf carers have been a part of this process.”
Sibo Attley, Hospital Manager at Cygnet Bury Hudson, explained the importance of involving carers at the service.
She said: “Carers are involved in the day to day care of service users. They have the opportunity to attend ward rounds, they can also visit service users, they can attend a care programme approach meeting where they make contributions into their service user journey, they are involved in conversations into the proposed treatments, and also they help to consider discharge planning for the service user.
“Involving carers really enhances patient experience ultimately, that is what we are here for.”
Triangle of Care is a quality improvement scheme for health and social care providers that promotes safety, recovery and wellbeing by including and supporting unpaid carers. Originally developed by carers, the scheme is run by Carers Trust and recognises healthcare providers that have committed to continuous improvement according to six key ‘carers included’ standards.