Orchard Care Group is a leading provider of integrated care services, including fostering, residential and disability care across Ireland. With 39 residential and community homes, plus two day services, the Group has more than 550 employees, each committed to supporting children, young people and adults to achieve their best life experiences.
Cygnet is a leading provider of mental health and social care services for adults and children in the UK. This acquisition marks a major milestone in Cygnet’s ongoing expansion programme. With an extensive UK-wide network of award-winning residential homes, community-based services, and hospitals, Cygnet now extends its significant footprint into Europe.
Cygnet is supported by its parent company and long-term strategic partner, Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS). UHS is one of the largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services in the USA.
Professor Tony Romero, Cygnet Group CEO said: “This is a pivotal step in our journey to offer high-quality residential support beyond the UK and we look forward to working closely with the Ireland-based leadership team.
“Orchard Care Group has a dedicated workforce providing safe, nurturing, and person-centred care across Ireland. They have built a strong reputation for providing superior quality care and supporting individuals to thrive.
“Their values to deliver care that is driven by advocacy, integrity, excellence, collaboration, and human rights, very much align with our ethos at Cygnet. We are committed to working together to build on the excellent work already being achieved and to ensure those entrusted to the care of Orchard Care Group are empowered to live meaningful lives by staff who are driven by compassion, purpose and service excellence.”
Cygnet is working closely with the leadership team at Orchard Care Group to ensure a smooth transition, prioritising continuity of care for all service users and residents and maintaining the high standards that families and stakeholders expect. Orchard Care Group’s existing executive team will continue to lead the organisation, while day-to-day care across the company’s services and homes will remain in the hands of the trusted, familiar staff who have built strong, supportive relationships with the individuals they serve.
Natalya Jackson, Group CEO of Orchard Care Group said: “This new chapter in our company’s story marks an exciting and transformative opportunity. We are delighted to have the investment and expertise of such an established and reputable provider in Cygnet.
“Joining forces allows us to marry our local heart and specialised care with the benefit of Cygnet’s expertise and resources.
“We have always been defined by our commitment to compassionate, person-centered care; now, bolstered by the support of Cygnet, this partnership will allow us to innovate further, invest in our frontline teams, and—most importantly—extend our vital services to more communities and families than ever before.“
The acquisition follows a period of significant growth for Cygnet Group. In the last two years the company has built seven state-of-the art mental health hospitals in England and during 2025/26 Cygnet’s Social Care division acquired four UK-based care companies, including the Daley Care Centre, Oakview Care Services, Woodrowe Healthcare and Stepping Stones Residential Unit.