The 44-bed hospital, in Rainworth, will be an extension to the existing Cygnet Health Care site on Rufford Colliery Lane in the village. It will be a sanctuary to enable people facing mental health difficulties to recover in a safe, supportive environment.
Cygnet Hospital Sherwood will bring more than 100 new jobs to the local area and see further investment by Cygnet in the local economy, drawing on local resources during the construction phase and for day-to-day supplies to run the service.
The building work began earlier this summer and it is expected that the hospital will be open to service users by the end of 2023.
Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet Health Care, joined the team in Rainworth to officially break ground on the build. He explained: “It is our priority to ensure those suffering with their mental health get the very best support they need. Cygnet’s new hospital on the Sherwood campus will complement the range of mental health services we already deliver in the area and we are delighted that we will soon be able to support more people who need our help.”
Currently, Cygnet Sherwood Lodge and Cygnet Sherwood House operate from the site. Sherwood Lodge cares for men with learning disabilities and complex needs, while Sherwood House is a specialist, high-dependency inpatient rehabilitation service for men.
The setting has been designed with wellness in mind, providing a safe and comfortable environment to promote successful recovery. Facilities will include onsite car parking, a garden, en-suite bedrooms, therapy rooms, a multi-faith room, a gym, treatment rooms, hair salon, communal lounge, dining room, quiet lounge, and meeting rooms. The range of job opportunities it will create will include health care professionals, clinicians, nurses, catering, domestics and administrative roles.
Cygnet is a partner to the NHS providing mental health care across a range of services around the country. The impact of the Covid pandemic has seen a rise in the number of people suffering with their mental health and it is expected there will be high demand for the services offered at Cygnet Hospital Sherwood.
Dr Romero added: “We know that the pandemic has had a huge impact on people’s mental health and it is anticipated that an extra 500,000 people across the UK will experience mental health difficulties because of Covid-19. This will affect not only their mind, but also their physical health, relationships, families, job prospects and so much more. The current demand nationally is surging and with that increase in need for specialist mental health services, we want to be part of the solution and work together with the NHS to provide the best treatment and facilities to help people on their recovery journey.
“The new hospital will be purpose-built to meet the latest NHS specifications for improving mental health within a therapeutic environment and will ensure that people from the East Midlands and Nottinghamshire can receive the treatment and care they need close to family and friends.
“I was thrilled to visit the team and see the work officially underway, I look forward to seeing the difference the facility will make to so many people.”