The independent regulator rated the Mexborough service ‘Good’ in four of its five key areas – Safe, Effective, Caring and Responsive.
Cygnet Aspen House, on Manvers Road, is a 20-bed high-dependency inpatient rehabilitation service for women with mental health needs. The assessment took place between 28 April and 12 May 2026.
Inspectors spoke with patients, relatives and staff, observed care and meetings, and reviewed care records and other evidence. The CQC said patients were safe and protected from harm, staff worked effectively as a team and people were treated with compassion and kindness.
Patients and relatives told inspectors they felt safe and were treated with respect and dignity. One person said: “I can’t speak more highly of the staff.”
Inspectors found the hospital was safe, clean, responsible with its medication management, well-equipped, well-furnished and maintained to a good standard. Inspectors also found staff assessed patients’ physical and mental health when they were admitted and developed individual care plans that were regularly reviewed by the multidisciplinary team.
The regulator also observed patients being encouraged to express their views during ward rounds, with discussions covering therapy, daily living skills, leave, medication and discharge planning.
CQC inspectors observed staff interacting with patients in a discreet, respectful and responsive way. Staff were described as “compassionate and knowledgeable” about the women they supported. The report also highlighted how staff understood patients’ personal, cultural, social and religious needs. Relatives described staff going the extra mile, including supporting one patient to buy cultural clothing for Eid and a prayer mat. Patients could also access a newly refurbished multi-faith room, a pastor and visits to church.
Patients praised the quality of the food, which offered choices reflecting religious, cultural and dietary requirements. A quarterly food forum allowed them to provide feedback and try different dishes.
Inspectors also found that the service promoted independence, choice and control. Patients’ progress was recognised and celebrated during ward rounds, while staff worked with external teams and used personalised initiatives to support wellbeing and recovery. The CQC highlighted how patients had access to individual and group activities, including pet therapy, keep-fit sessions, cooking and community-skills sessions. An external tutor offered weekly education covering maths, English, CV writing, interview skills, mindfulness and relaxation.
The CQC praised the service’s communication with families. One relative told inspectors: “They always make sure my voice is heard.” Leaders were described as visible and approachable, while staff said they felt respected and valued and were able to raise concerns.
Hospital manager Richard Griffiths said: “We are delighted that Cygnet Aspen House has retained its overall ‘Good’ rating and that inspectors recognised so many positive aspects of the person-centred care delivered by our team.
“We are especially proud of the feedback from patients and relatives, who told inspectors that they feel safe, respected and involved. Supporting each woman to have a voice, retain her individuality and progress towards greater independence is central to everything we do.
“We remain committed to learning, strengthening our systems and building upon the many areas of good practice highlighted throughout the report.
“I would like to thank every member of the Aspen House team for their dedication, as well as our patients, families and external partners for their continued involvement and valuable feedback.”