After nearly three decades of care, Cygnet Hospital Blackheath, which offered a low-secure and PICU service, closed its doors on 31 October 2026 following the expiry of its lease.
Men with mental health needs who received support and care at the Cygnet Health Care service have now been relocated to alternative placements.
Hospital Manager Rebecca Fordwor reflected on the decades of success, saying: “We mark the end of an extraordinary chapter spanning more than 20 years. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of staff, past and present, for your commitment, professionalism, kindness and contribution to Cygnet Hospital Blackheath.
“Our hospital has given us many reasons to be proud with various milestones representing much more than certificates or recognition. Our successes reflect the hard work, learning, teamwork and commitment of the people who made them possible.”
Among the hospital’s achievements was a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The service was also a finalist in the Picker Experience Network Awards 2025.
More recently, Tyler Ward achieved accreditation through the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Quality Network for Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (QNPICU). The assessment recognised the hospital’s teamwork and quality of care, with patients reporting that they felt listened to and safe.
The hospital’s legacy also includes the many staff members who have developed their skills and careers while supporting men experiencing complex mental health needs.
Rebecca said: “Over the years, countless members of staff have contributed their knowledge, compassion, resilience and dedication to supporting men experiencing complex mental health needs.
“Behind every achievement are people who turned up for their colleagues, advocated for patients, supported families and continued to strive for better care, even on the most difficult days.”
One of those individuals is Sandie Rogers, Mental Health Law Practitioner, who joined the service in May 1998 as a Medical Secretary after seeing an advert in the local newspaper. Having worked at Blackheath throughout its history, Sandie has seen the service evolve over almost three decades.
She said: “I am very sad to see the end of Cygnet Hospital Blackheath. However, I feel it has earned its place in the history of the company as a very significant contributor.
“Working at the service has meant a great deal to me. I have been able to utilise my skills in office management and learnt so much about mental health law. Over the years, I have met and worked with some very kind, caring and hard-working people.”
On Friday 23 October, current and former employees came together to recognise the Cygnet Health Care hospital’s history and celebrate the contribution of those who had worked there. The event included awards, games and an opportunity for colleagues to reconnect and share their memories.
Rebecca added: “As some colleagues prepare to move to other Cygnet Health Care services, the celebration also served as an opportunity to acknowledge that, although our working locations may change, the connections we have built will remain.
“Cygnet Hospital Blackheath may be closing its doors, but the friendships, experiences, professional growth and memories we have shared will remain with us.
“While the hospital’s closure marks the end of one chapter, the knowledge, experience and commitment of the people who worked here remain an important part of Cygnet’s wider story.”
Individuals supported at Cygnet Hospital Blackheath have relocated to the newly opened Winston Court at Cygnet Churchill, a specialist low secure unit providing a high-quality therapeutic environment.
The development forms part of Cygnet’s continued investment in high-quality services and its commitment to ensuring people receive care in the most appropriate setting for their needs.
Meanwhile, men who received care at the service’s PICU ward have been offered alternative placements closer to home, including, for some, a transfer to the enhanced PICU at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone.