The accolade follows a detailed assessment visit in June, as part of Headway’s Approved Provider Scheme, which uses bespoke standards designed to reflect the complex needs of individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI).
The scheme evaluates services including hospitals, neuro-rehabilitation units, residential homes and respite facilities.
In their report, Headway awarded Cygnet Brunel outstanding ratings in four out of six key domains: Culture, Workforce Development, Service Delivery, and Governance/Leadership/Management.
Inspectors praised a range of innovative developments aimed at enhancing care and family support, including the creation of a new Family Therapy service and the launch of a Practice Clinic for routine health checks. Refurbishments across the service were highlighted for improving the environment for service users, with personalised bedrooms, upgraded communal areas, and revitalised garden spaces. The assessors also commended the hospital’s Tackling Racism project as an example of best practice in promoting inclusivity.
The commitment to staff training and development was also recognised, with assessors noting that all staff undergo a robust induction programme with tailored ABI training. The report also highlighted the reduced reliance on agency staff and the strong capability and adaptability of the team to meet the complex needs of service users.
In their summary, Headway assessors stated: “Community meetings and various therapeutic groups are actively engaging service users in their care and rehabilitation processes.
“The unit continues to maintain high standards, and from the discussion with the Hospital Manager, it is clear that there is a culture of continuous improvement. Work such as the Tackling Racism initiative, as well as the push to provide a new Family Therapy service, indicates a unit keen to improve the service it offers to service users as well as one responsive to the needs of the workforce.”
Jamie Green, Hospital Manager at Cygnet Brunel, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this outstanding rating from Headway. It reflects the dedication, compassion and expertise of our team and the inclusive, therapeutic environment we’ve created for the individuals in our care.
“Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to embed a culture of continuous improvement, where everyone, from frontline staff to senior leaders, feels empowered to innovate and make meaningful contributions. This recognition reinforces our belief that by listening to our service users, supporting our workforce and engaging families in the care journey, we can deliver life-changing outcomes.
“I’d like to thank every member of the team for their commitment and passion. This achievement belongs to all of them.”