This week marks a vital moment in our calendar. As we observe Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 (23rd February – 1st March), we align ourselves with a powerful theme: “Community.” At Cygnet Hospital Ealing, we have always known that recovery does not happen in a vacuum.
Eating disorders thrive on isolation, creating a distance between an individual and their sense of self, their family, and their peers. Our mission is to bridge the gap. As Hospital Manager, I am incredibly proud of how our team fosters a community that is not just clinical, but deeply human and restorative.
My Cygnet Journey – Nursing Care at the Heart of Everything We Do
I joined Cygnet as a staff nurse in 2005 with dual qualification of RGN and RMN. I’m also a fully trained DBT nurse specialist. I became the ward manager of New Dawn ward in Cygnet Hospital Beckton in 2009, and service manager for the personality disorder service in Beckton in 2023. After working as Quality Assurance Manager for Cygnet Hospital Beckton, I became Clinical Manager for Cygnet Hospital Ealing and was appointed Hospital Manager in 2024.
Being a nurse is central to the care I deliver. The opportunities I have been given to develop a fantastic team at this very special service make me proud to be a Cygnet nurse.
Tailoring Care: Beyond the Diagnosis
One of the most frequent questions I am asked is how we “tailor” our support. The truth is, no two journeys through an eating disorder are the same. A diagnosis like Anorexia or Bulimia is only the starting point; the person behind the diagnosis is where our focus lies.
At Cygnet Hospital Ealing, our “bespoke care packages” are more than just a phrase – they are a commitment. We specialise in supporting women with complex needs, including those with extremely low BMIs who may require nasogastric (NG) feeding. However, tailoring care means looking beyond physical stabilisation.
We integrate a multidisciplinary approach that includes:
- Specialist Therapies: From Psychodynamic and family therapy to cognitive behavioural therapy and mantra. We provide creative outlets for expression when words aren’t enough.
- Dual-Specialism Expertise: Because we also house the New Dawn Ward (specialising in Personality Disorder), our staff are uniquely equipped to support service users with co-occurring conditions, such as EUPD or a history of trauma. This dual expertise allows us to treat the whole person, not just a set of symptoms.
- Homely Environments: We work hard to maintain a non-institutional feel. Our recently installed Social Hub and our relaxation sensory suites are designed to give our service users a space to connect as people – sharing a conversation or a quiet moment – away from the clinical routine.
The Power of Connection
The 2026 theme of “Community” resonates deeply with our collective achievements. We were honoured to receive the Quality Network for Eating Disorders (QED) accreditation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. This recognition was a testament to our “patient-first” culture.
To us, community includes the families and carers who are often the unsung heroes of the recovery journey. We involve them in the Care Programme Approach (CPA) from day one, ensuring that when a service user is ready to return home.
We also take time to acknowledge and celebrate our team. Events like our monthly Staff Appreciation Day provide the opportunity to pause, reflect and recognise the everyday contributions that make Ealing a place of care, collaboration, and pride.
A Message of Hope
If you are struggling, or if you are supporting someone who is, please know that you are not alone. This week is about breaking the silence and challenging the stigmas that keep people in the shadows.
At Cygnet Hospital Ealing, we see the strength it takes to seek help every single day. Our doors and our hearts are open to those who need specialised, compassionate, and truly individualised care. Together, as a community, we can make recovery a reality.
Best wishes
Ola