Rosie Hodgson-Whittle - Interim Hospital Manager

Rosie joined Cygnet Appletree after she qualified with a First Class Honours as a registered Mental Health Nurse in 2017. Rosie has progressed from a preceptor nurse to a Senior Staff Nurse, to a Clinical Team Leader, then Quality Standards Practitioner at Cygnet Appletree.

She has a range of experiences within female high dependency rehabilitation and female Acute & PICU services. In 2022, Rosie received a dissertation in a Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship and she strives for high quality standards for patient care and coming together as a team in providing these standards. Rosie was appointed Clinical Manager in 2023.

Dr Khalil Memon - Consultant Adult Psychiatrist and Neuropsychiatrist

Dr Khalil Memon has been working as a Consultant Psychiatrist with Cygnet Health Care since January 2022. Prior to joining Cygnet, Dr Memon was working as a consultant in Neuropsychiatry at Walkergate Park, Newcastle. He completed his higher specialist training in General Adult Psychiatry with subspecialisation in Neuropsychiatry with the Health Education England in the North East and North Cumbria.

Dr Memon has passed his MRCPsych examination in 2017 and has a rich experience in psychiatry. He has a keen interest in research, adult and neuropsychiatry. Dr Memon also has expertise in alcohol related brain injury, Korsakoff syndrome and in neurodegenerative disorders including Huntington disease. He is a dedicated, honest and hard working clinician and works to get a best outcome for his patients.

Dr Iboh Afolabi – Specialty Doctor

Iboh works as a Specialty doctor at Cygnet Appletree. She has been practicing as a Medical Doctor since 2007, where she has gained vast experience in providing outpatient and inpatient mental health care services to both children and adults.

She had her first Medical Degree in Nigeria, and she also has fellowship with West Africa College of Physician (Family Medicine). She has a MSc Degree in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (Distinction) from the University of Birmingham where she carried out research centred on psychological hazards in the workplace which was awarded a runner up prize by IOSH in 2014.

She has particular interest in the psychological wellbeing of both adults and children as it is one of the fundamental basis of an individual’s likelihood to live healthier and longer lives.

Dr Femi Aiyemowa - Specialty Doctor

Femi works as a specialty doctor at Cygnet Appletree. He obtained his primary medical qualification in 2011 and worked as a senior medical officer in general practice in Nigeria before taking up the role of a resident medical officer in psychiatry in a private hospital.

Femi’s decision to take up the career in mental health was spurred by the positive outcome achieved following his intervention in the management of a university student who was diagnosed with Drug induced psychosis. Femi enjoys his role working in a team to contribute to the positive changes that benefit the service users.

Luke Skelton - Bramley Ward Manager

Luke started his health career in CAMHS inpatient services in 2013, as a support worker for an NHS Foundation Trust, and has had a wide experience across multiple services such as medium secure forensics, elderly, working age adults inpatient services. Following his secondment on his nurse training Luke qualified as a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 2020.

While in his preceptorship period within the NHS he volunteered for QNIC, assessing hospitals for QNIC accreditation. Luke joined Cygnet in 2021, initially working within Cygnet Hospital Hexham acute/picu services, before transferring to Appletree after nine months, taking up post as a clinical team lead. Luke was successful in securing the Ward Manager post for Bramley ward at Appletree. He strives to empower each individual’s care ensuring that everyone has been appropriately heard and works closely to bring a patient centred approach.

Sarah Lillico – Specialist Occupational Therapist

Sarah joined Cygnet after she qualified with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy in 2019. Prior to this, Sarah obtained a psychology degree and worked within a learning disabilities and autism service.

Within Cygnet, Sarah initially worked in female high dependency rehabilitation before going onto Psychiatric Intensive Care. Sarah has an interest in Sensory Integration and has completed Cygnet’s Sensory Integration Preceptorship.

The Occupational Therapy department provides specialist support to help people achieve their recovery-focused goals. Their aim is to improve health and wellbeing through meaningful activities and promoting independence.

Lauren Blair - Hospital Administrator

Lauren started working at Cygnet Appletree in 2017 as a Support Worker. She progressed in her role to become Clinical Support Administrator then later becoming Funding Administrator before being appointed in her current role as Hospital Administrator for the service.

Lauren enjoys the variety of her role and strives to empower and work alongside the admin team to provide the best possible support for our clinical team here at Appletree. You can occasionally find Lauren in the kitchen giving a hand to our catering team during busy periods.