The Triangle of Care is a nationally recognised quality improvement framework, overseen by Carers Trust, which promotes collaboration between healthcare professionals, service users and carers. It is based on the principle that recognising carers as equal partners in care leads to better experiences and improved outcomes for patients.
Following a rigorous assessment, reviewers praised Cygnet Hospital Sherwood for demonstrating “a clear commitment to recognising, involving and supporting carers” and highlighted the significant progress the hospital has made across all six Triangle of Care standards since opening in 2024.
The hospital, on Rufford Colliery Lane, Mansfield, is a 44-bed mental health hospital for men, offering PICU and acute services.
Assessors commended the hospital’s approach to identifying carers at admission, strengthened consent and confidentiality practices, comprehensive information provided to carers, the introduction of named Carer Leads across wards, staff training, partnership working with local carer organisations and the strong engagement shown by staff throughout the assessment process.
The report noted that the hospital has built “strong foundations” and recognised notable improvements including earlier identification of carers during admission, ward-specific carers’ packs, quarterly carers’ meetings, communication agreements, carer awareness and confidentiality training, and strengthened links with external carer support and advocacy services.
Reviewers also praised the hospital’s culture around carer involvement, saying: “Your showcase gave us a fuller sense of how you approach carer involvement. We heard a team that is engaged, reflective and working to make carer involvement part of everyday practice.”
The assessment highlighted the positive experiences of carers, with one family member commenting: “From the minute you ring, to the minute that you visit…to the minute that you leave, you are always made to feel highly welcomed and reassured that your loved one is cared for.”
The carer shared how staff responded to concerns, saying: “We emailed [staff name] with concerns and worries, and within no time we received a response with assurances, with plans, with ways to move forward. She actually took the time to listen to us.”
Assessors also praised the hospital’s carers’ guide as “a strong piece of evidence”, recognising the comprehensive information it provides about the hospital, ward environments, visiting arrangements, advocacy, carers’ meetings and local support services.
The report found that carers are routinely involved in care and discharge planning, where appropriate, with staff working closely alongside families to prepare for a safe transition home. The hospital was also recognised for its partnership working with organisations including Derbyshire Carers Association, Staffordshire Carers Support and Northampton Carers Association to ensure carers can access ongoing advice and support.
Jeff Ashby, Hospital Director at Cygnet Hospital Sherwood, said: “I’m so proud of the team for this incredible achievement.
“It’s a particularly significant achievement due to the hospital only having opened in 2024. It’s gratifying to know that our dedication to ensuring that carers and families are at the heart of everything we do has been recognised by such a prestigious organisation.
“The hospital will continue to grow and develop to ensure we continue to provide the best possible care and support for patients and their families.
“Achieving the Star 1 accreditation marks an important milestone for Cygnet Hospital Sherwood and reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring carers are recognised, supported and valued as key partners in every patient’s recovery journey.”
Mary Patel, Triangle of Care Programme Lead at Carers Trust, said:
“This Triangle of Care Star Award represents a hugely positive step forward in strengthening partnerships with carers – so family and friends who look after someone are involved in care planning, and have their important role recognised. Congratulations to all the staff and carers at Hospital Sherwood for this achievement, and we encourage everyone involved – from frontline staff to senior leads – to continue building on this foundation of good practice.”