Headway’s approved provider scheme utilises standards developed to reflect the specific needs of individuals 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 process includes a robust on-site assessment, within an inspection system that also involves unannounced interim reviews. The Headway assessment team visited Cygnet Heather to conduct their assessment on 30th June 2022 and spoke with staff and two service users.
The service 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 Heathers as ‘Outstanding’ in all six domains.
The assessment report highlights many areas of positive practice, including:
- The assessors observed the commitment of the unit to support the communication and empowerment of service users. Information was communicated in different formats, including “easy read”, picture communication, talking tiles and QR codes linked to videos.
- The service users spoken to said that they feel listened to and respected by staff. It was reported that ‘staff will go out of their way to help” and feel involved in setting and reviewing their goals.
- Service users said they are involved in planning their goals and the support they need. One stated that the service gave him the ‘chance to elevate’ himself and that ‘staff go out of their way to help.’
- Service users are involved in decision-making at all stages of their rehabilitation. A Patient Lead represents service users at the Peoples Council meeting with the meetings documented to facilitate the review of actions and outcomes of previous meetings.
- Education regarding brain injury, and its consequences, is given on a 1:1 basis to service users and their families.
- Cygnet Heathers is a spacious and bright purpose-built Hospital. There is a lot of open community and all areas of the hospital are easily accessible.
Stephen Smith, Hospital Manager, said: “Gaining ‘Outstanding’ following our recent reaccreditation with Headway is a wonderful achievement. Our team have worked so hard to achieve this and deserve all the plaudits for their efforts. I am very proud of the group of staff we have at Cygnet Heathers and the dedication they have to the individuals in our care.”
To find out more about Cygnet Heathers click here.