The hospital provides specialist mental health services for men, including acute care and a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU). Despite being a relatively new service, assessors praised the team for embedding the Triangle of Care principles swiftly and effectively.
A spokesperson for the Carers Trust assessment panel said: “The hospital has made an impressive start in embedding the Triangle of Care framework into its service delivery, particularly commendable given its recent establishment. The panel was encouraged by the team’s commitment to carer involvement, the evident warmth and inclusivity of staff, and the proactive steps taken to identify and support carers from the outset of a service user’s admission.”
Key strengths highlighted by assessors included:
- A strong ethos of shared responsibility and a culture that values carer involvement across the multidisciplinary team.
- Robust carer identification processes, with proactive outreach and appropriate use of communication agreements.
- High staff compliance with carer-awareness training, with plans to introduce additional face-to-face sessions involving carers directly in training delivery.
- Comprehensive and accessible carer information packs and a welcoming, supportive approach for families.
- Evidence of carer feedback shaping service improvements, including the development of a new outdoor visiting area requested by families.
The panel also commended the hospital for going “above and beyond” in its efforts, such as engaging local councils and MPs and working with The Way Youth Zone to offer extra support for families with young children.
One carer, known as E, shared her experience of her brother’s care at the hospital. She praised the team for their warmth, communication, and ongoing encouragement. She described feeling included, informed, and empowered to support her brother throughout his recovery, and highlighted the positive impact of both the environment and the staff. She also stressed the importance of good aftercare and signposting for families continuing their support at home.
Hospital Manager Lottie Martin said: “We are incredibly proud to receive Triangle of Care accreditation. Carers play a vital role in the wellbeing and recovery of the people we support, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our whole team to building trusting, collaborative relationships with families. We will continue to develop our practice to ensure carers feel valued, listened to and supported.
“The accreditation marks an important milestone for Cygnet Hospital Wolverhampton as it continues to enhance its partnership with carers and build a service rooted in compassion, communication, and high-quality care.”
Triangle of Care is a quality improvement scheme for health and social care providers that promotes safety, recovery and wellbeing by including and supporting unpaid carers. Originally developed by carers, the scheme is run by Carers Trust and recognises healthcare providers that have committed to continuous improvement according to six key ‘carers included’ standards.
Over 80 mental health providers, including NHS Trusts, charities and private hospitals serving NHS patients, are Triangle of Care members and Carers Trust is gradually opening the scheme to new health and social care sectors. The Triangle of Care is recognised by Care Quality Commission inspectors and supports the NICE recommendations for ‘Supporting Adult Carers’.