Cygnet Paddocks, on Wilmere Lane, is a new 28-bed specialist Neuropsychiatric rehabilitation service run by leading health and social care company, Cygnet Health Care. The service will provide support across three wards for men affected by acquired brain injury or neurological conditions such as dementia and Huntington’s disease.
The hope is that people will be able to access care closer to home and nearer to their supportive family networks wherever this is possible.
The new hospital is located on the redeveloped site of a former nursing home and has brought more than 75 new jobs to the region with a range of career opportunities that includes health care professionals, clinicians, nurses, catering, domestics and administrative roles.
It has also seen further investment by Cygnet in the local economy, with the company drawing on local resources during the redevelopment phase and for day-to-day supplies to run the service.
Cygnet Paddocks was officially opened on Tuesday 2 July by Dr George El-Nimr, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist and Honory Lecturer and Cygnet CEO Dr Tony Romero. Also in attendance was the Deputy Mayor of Halton, Councillor Martha Lloyd Jones and the Deputy Consort, Councillor Peter Lloyd Jones.
Guests were given a tour of the service and treated to mocktails and a buffet. There was also a silhouette artist available to hand cut portraits of guests.
Cygnet Health Care already has a strong presence in neuro-rehab across the UK operating 122 beds across seven locations. This allows the expansion of the service line to the North West of England.
Dr Tony Romero, Cygnet CEO, said: “Our purpose is to make a positive difference to the lives of the individuals we care for, their loved ones and all those who work with us.
“We are proud of our reputation for delivering pioneering services and outstanding outcomes for the individuals in our care and I am delighted to see us extend our care offer in the North West.
“It is our priority to ensure those suffering get the very best support they need. Cygnet’s new hospital in Widnes will complement the range of neuro-rehab services we offer and we are delighted that we can now support more people who need our help.
“We are a proud partner to the NHS we want to be part of the solution and work together with the NHS to provide the best treatment and facilities to help people on their recovery journey.”
The name of the service was chosen by patients currently being supported at Cygnet Pindar House, a neuropsychiatric service in Barnsley. They chose the name Cygnet Paddocks to reflect the fact that there are a number of horse paddocks in the fields adjacent to the hospital.
The service will be led by an all-encompassing in-house clinical and medical team including psychiatrists, speciality doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses and support workers.
Dr Matt Rowett is Consultant Neuropsychiatrist & Deputy Regional Medical Director for Cygnet (Neuropsychiatry – North). Quoting Hospital Episode Statistics he said the North West of England has a higher rate of head injuries compared to the national average.
“Each year, approximately 162,000 people in the North West experience a head injury, which is significantly higher than other regions in the UK,” he explained.
“Additionally, the incidence of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) has been rising, with the region reporting around 600 hospital admissions per 100,000 population annually, compared to the UK average of 430.
“These figures underscore the urgent need for specialised neuropsychiatric care and rehabilitation service in our community.”
Rachael Chamberlain, Cygnet Health Care’s Business Development Director for Neurological services explained: “The three individually designed wards replicate the well-established rehabilitation and treatment pathways already successfully offered by Cygnet in other Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation services.
“I’m so excited that we are finally being able to bring a Cygnet Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation service to the North West of England.
“It’s so important that individuals affected by brain injuries can access the most appropriate rehabilitation assessment and treatment needed to meet their needs.
“Offering a comprehensive specialist rehabilitation service as close as possible to friends and family is an important aspect to recovery for many of our service users.”
Hospital Manager Kiri Houghton initially qualified as a Mental Health Nurse from the University of Chester in 2012. Since then she has gained experience in a variety of settings including acute mental health, male and female low secure, mental health rehabilitation, neuropsychiatric and community services.
She said she is excited at the prospect of opening a brand new service.
“We are looking forward to seeing the difference this service will make to those who need our help,” she added.
“We have recruited a first class clinical and support team, all of whom will place our service users at the heart of all they do, to ensure they receive the highest quality, compassionate care.
“We know how devastating and lifelong the effects of a brain injury can be and this new service will provide a dedicated care pathway to ensure the men in our care have the best possible chance of recovery.”
