The theme for this year’s conference, was: Rebalancing Health: Mind, Hormones and Metabolism, and once again, the free, CPD accredited event was open to clinicians internal and external to Cygnet.
The winners of this year’s awards are as follows.
Cygnet Lifetime Achievement Award ‘The Swan Award’
Presented by Cygnet Group CEO, Professor Tony Romero, with Group Clinical Director, Dr Salim Matta.
Winner: Dr Logan Naidu, Consultant Psychiatrist, Cygnet Aspen Clinic and Regional Medical Director (East Midlands)
Dr Naidu is a highly experienced psychiatrist and medical leader with more than 30 years in mental health care. Since joining us in 2012, he has held key roles including Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Lead, Appraisal Lead and Medical Director.
He currently serves as Regional Medical Director for the East Midlands, Consultant Psychiatrist for inpatient and rehabilitation services, and supports residential step-down facilities across the region.
Renowned for his expertise in female mental health and acute psychiatric care, he champions high-quality, patient-centred services, collaborative working with families and the development of future clinicians, having trained many specialty doctors who have progressed to consultant roles.
“My journey through Cygnet has brought me such a long way as a person, doctor, psychiatrist and medical leader.
There are so many people that I am grateful to and thankful for on this amazing journey. I feel each one has contributed to this award in some way: doctors, managers, nurses, support workers, administrators, housekeepers, kitchen teams, psychologists, OTs and every other individual I have worked alongside.”Dr Logan Naidu
Cygnet Educator / Mentor of the Year
Presented by Professor Nandini Chakraborty, Dean of Royal College of Psychiatrists, with Dr Gbolagade Akintomide, Divisional Medical Director, North.
Winner: Dr Khalil Memon, Consultant Psychiatrist, Cygnet St William’s
Dr Memon is an inspirational educator and clinical leader whose teaching and mentorship have a significant impact across Cygnet and beyond. As Co-Chair of the Cygnet Group CPD Programme, he delivers national webinars, develops acclaimed brain injury training and leads Neuropsychiatry MDT Grand Rounds across six sites.
He regularly presents research at national conferences and supports research, audits and junior doctors’ career development. Currently authoring the neuroscience textbook Neurotransmitter-guided Psychiatric History Taking, he is helping shape future clinical practice.
“I’m truly honoured to receive the Educator of the Year Award. Teaching and mentoring are a deeply rewarding part of my work, and I strongly believe that developing colleagues and sharing knowledge ultimately improves the quality of care we provide.”Dr Khalil Memon
Cygnet Medical Leader of the Year
Presented by Karen Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Behavioural Health Division, Universal Health Services, Inc (UHS), with Dr Dale Lawrence, Medical Director / Responsible Officer.
Winner: Dr Zainab Bashir, Medical Director, Consultant Psychiatrist, Cygnet Sedgley House
Dr Bashir is an exceptional clinician, mentor and medical leader who inspires others through her integrity, self-awareness and commitment to continuous professional development. She creates inclusive, collaborative environments where colleagues feel supported, valued and empowered to grow as confident leaders.
“I am stunned, humbled and honoured by this amazing award. It is such a great motivator to do even more for Cygnet. I will genuinely cherish this always. Massive thanks for the nomination and to all the organisers. It is much appreciated.”Dr Zainab Bashir
Cygnet Mental Health Team of the Year
Presented by Stephen Firn OBE, CEO Cygnet Health Care, with Peter Smith, Managing Director, Cygnet Health Care (South)
Winner: Cygnet Hospital Sherwood
The Sherwood team is an exceptional multidisciplinary team whose commitment to education, research and workforce development has strengthened standards across the service.
They champion the integration of physical and mental healthcare through joint clinical reviews and specialist training, improving outcomes for long-stay psychiatric patients. Dedicated to reducing health inequalities, they deliver personalised care and work closely with NHS partners, social services and community teams to support rehabilitation and discharge.
“As Hospital Manager, I couldn’t be more proud of the team. This is a remarkable achievement at any stage, but to have achieved this less than three years since opening is beyond anything we could have hoped for. I’m so pleased that the excellent care provided by the team at Cygnet Hospital Sherwood has been recognised in this way.”Jeff Ashby, Hospital Manager
Cygnet SAS Doctor of the Year
Presented by Baroness Clare Gerada DBE, Independent Advisor to the Board, with Peter Smith
Winner: Dr Daniella Melendez Mejia, Speciality Doctor, Cygnet Hospital Sherwood
Dr Daniella Melendez Mejia is an exceptional RMO whose clinical expertise, compassionate leadership and commitment to service improvement have made a significant impact at Cygnet Hospital Sherwood.
She delivers trauma-informed, person-centred care for individuals with complex needs, helping to foster a ward culture that has achieved zero seclusions and zero restrictive practices over the past year. She exemplifies excellence within the SAS workforce.
Cygnet Consultant Psychiatrist of the Year
Presented by Prof Subodh Dave, President of Royal College of Psychiatrists, with Dr Gareth Jarvis, Divisional Medical Director for the South.
Winner: Dr Kathleen McCurdy, Consultant Psychiatrist, Cygnet Hospital Stevenage
Dr McCurdy is an outstanding psychiatrist and clinical leader whose expertise, innovation and commitment to excellence have transformed services at Cygnet Hospital Stevenage.
Drawing on extensive clinical, academic and policy experience, she successfully established and led a female PICU, creating a safe, compassionate, evidence-based service for patients with complex needs. Under her leadership, the ward achieved a Triangle of Care Star Award and Royal College accreditation.
Group Clinical Director – Special Recognition Award Consultant
Presented by Group Clinical Director, Dr Salim Matta.
Winner: Dr Sree Thamburaja, Regional Medical Director for the East Midlands
Since joining Cygnet, Dr Thamburaja has been a driving force behind high-quality, person-centred care. Leading across complex low-secure psychiatric services, Dr Thamburaja combines sharp clinical precision with deep empathy and therapeutic warmth. Patients and their families frequently highlight her approachable nature, clear communication, and the genuine respect she accords to everyone under her care.
“To me, this recognition is a reflection of the trust built with our patients during their most vulnerable moments, and the mutual respect and teamwork shared with our incredible multidisciplinary teams on the ground.”Dr Sree Thamburaja
Group Clinical Director – Special Recognition Award Ward/Team/Hospital
Presented by Group Clinical Director, Dr Salim Matta.
Winner: Cygnet Newham House
What sets this hospital apart is not simply the quality of its clinical pathway, but the depth of compassion and individuality behind every care plan. Their ‘Your Day, Your Way’ approach to activity planning, and personalised communication grab sheets for every service user, reflect a hospital that never loses sight of the person behind the diagnosis.
“This recognition reflects the passion, resilience and commitment of an exceptional multidisciplinary team whose dedication to clinical excellence, innovation and person-centred care continues to improve outcomes and transform lives.”Joanna Yarker, Hospital Manager
Congratulations to all our nominees, finalists and winners in this year’s awards. Thanks also to our judges and guest presenters for this year’s awards.