Based in Brighouse, Cygnet Lodge Brighouse is a 21-bed high support inpatient rehabilitation (Level 2) service for men, run by Cygnet Health Care.
The Triangle of Care is a nationally recognised scheme designed to promote safety, recovery and wellbeing by ensuring unpaid carers are included, informed and supported throughout a person’s care journey. Developed by carers and delivered by Carers Trust, the programme recognises healthcare providers that demonstrate commitment to six key ‘carers included’ standards.
Assessors highlighted several areas of good practice, including the service’s proactive approach to engaging carers from the earliest stage. Where possible, this engagement begins before admission, with a consistent approach to understanding families’ preferences, needs and desired level of involvement.
Where identified, carers are routinely invited to contribute to care planning, ward rounds and Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings, either in person, by phone or via video call. Flexible arrangements are made wherever possible to support participation.
One family member involved in the assessment process praised the service’s communication, saying: “I receive notifications about ward rounds well in advance, giving me plenty of time to organise my calendar.”
A key strength identified during the assessment was the service’s investment in staff training and culture change. Sessions led by a lived-experience carer ambassador were described as particularly impactful in helping staff better understand the realities and challenges faced by carers.
Assessors found clear evidence that the training has already improved practice, including more proactive communication with families, clearer responsibility for responding to queries and greater recognition of carers’ expertise and support needs.
The service has also recently expanded its network of Carers Champions to work alongside a dedicated Carer Lead, helping create a more consistent, team-wide approach to supporting families across the hospital.
Families are provided with detailed information packs before or during admission, introducing them to the service, ward routines, legal frameworks and support available to them. Staff then follow up directly to answer questions and discuss how carers would like to remain involved.
A family member shared their positive experience, saying: “When X was admitted to the hospital, we received a package of information about Cygnet, which included information about who they were; their work and available support for the family plus a letter introducing the care team that were assigned to my brother and providing contact methods if we had any concerns or needed to speak to anyone.”
The report also recognised the service’s emerging work to identify and respond to carers’ own support needs. This includes the option for referral to local support organisations. The service also hosts engagement events such as carers’ BBQs. Assessors concluded that the introduction of Carers Champions, combined with dedicated leadership and staff training, had helped create a stronger and more consistent carer-inclusive culture across the service.
Matthew Ellis, Hospital Manager at Cygnet Lodge Brighouse, said: “Achieving Triangle of Care accreditation is a proud moment for the whole team and reflects the work that has gone into building stronger partnerships with carers and families. We know that carers provide invaluable insight, support and advocacy for the people in our care, so it’s essential they feel listened to and included throughout treatment and recovery.
“What’s especially encouraging is seeing how this has become embedded across the service as a genuine team effort. From our Carers Champions to the wider multidisciplinary team, staff have embraced the importance of meaningful carer involvement and continue looking for ways we can improve and learn.”
Mary Patel, Triangle of Care Programme Lead at Carers Trust, said: “Congratulations to all the staff and carers at Cygnet Lodge Brighouse for this achievement, and we encourage everyone involved – from frontline staff to senior leads – to continue building on this foundation of good practice.”