Cygnet Brunel is a neuropsychiatric care and treatment service in Bristol for men affected by acquired brain injuries and neurodegenerative conditions. It is the first of the Cygnet Health Care neuropsychiatric services to be rated Outstanding following its first inspection visit by Headway. This recognition underscores the team’s commitment to excellence in neurorehabilitation and patient care.
Headway’s approved provider scheme utilises standards developed to reflect the specific needs of people with an acquired brain injury (ABI). These standards are used to evaluate a range of facilities including hospitals and neuro-rehabilitation units, residential and nursing homes and respite facilities.
The Cygnet Health Care-run hospital was evaluated across six domains; Culture, Systems & Processes, Workforce Development, Service Delivery, Governance Leadership and Management & Quality, and finally, Environment.
The Headway assessment team rated Cygnet Brunel as ‘Outstanding’ in four domains and ‘Good’ in Environment and Systems & Process, resulting in an overall ‘Outstanding’.
The assessment report highlighted many areas of positive practice, including:
- The enthusiasm, skills, quality, motivation and commitment of the staff.
- Care plans for the service users are person-centred and service users are involved with goal setting.
- Service users are supported and encouraged in making choices, maintaining daily living skills, working towards transition planning and taking positive risks.
- The hospital demonstrated a commitment to the support of families, including the provision of a family room for private space during visits.
- The psychological and emotional well-being needs of patients is met by giving them access to a relaxation and recreation programme including volunteering opportunities in the on-site café and pet therapy.
- Residents are encouraged to follow a healthy, balanced diet.
- The senior team worked well together and had trust and confidence in one another and the Hospital Manager has a clear vision, with a focus on continual improvement and learning.
Hospital Manager Jasmine Todd said she was extremely pleased with the Outstanding rating.
She added: “This welcomed accreditation will provide families and carers with reassurance that their loved ones are well cared for and getting the right treatment to help them.
“I am very proud of the team and their continued hard work to provide the best care and treatment for men after brain injury.”