This recognition reflects Cygnet’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to young people and adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders, autism and learning disabilities within the UK.
With 81% of its 150 services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by regulators – outperforming the independent sector average by 17% – Cygnet continues to set the standard for trusted, effective care across the country.
Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet, said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted for Hospital Group of the Year at the LaingBuisson Awards. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our 13,000 colleagues across the country. Every day, they work tirelessly to ensure that the individuals we support receive the highest standards of safe and effective care.
“At Cygnet, we are driven by our core values – Integrity, Care, Trust, Respect, and Empower – and a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to recover, rebuild, and thrive. The past year has seen us invest significantly in expanding our services and strengthening our partnerships with the NHS and Local Authorities, ensuring that together, we can meet the increasing demand for high-quality mental health and social care across the UK.
“This shortlisting recognises not just what we do, but how we do it, with compassion, collaboration, and a relentless focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for the people we support.”
In the past year, Cygnet supported over 8,300 individuals to recover, regain independence, and rebuild their lives. Working in partnership with 360 commissioning bodies, including 187 NHS organisations and 173 Local Authorities, the organisation provides care through a diverse network of 80 hospitals and step-down services with 2,206 beds and 71 residential, supported living, and day settings with 785 places.
These partnerships ensure individuals receive care that is not only high quality but also tailored to their needs and delivered as close to home as possible while easing pressure on NHS services and budgets.
Against a national backdrop of reduced NHS mental health beds and growing demand for specialist care, Cygnet has pursued an ambitious expansion programme. In 2024-25, the organisation invested £132 million in new hospital developments and renovations, opening seven new hospitals and creating up to 250 new beds, enabling Cygnet to support 1,500 additional individuals each year and generating 1,000 new jobs.
Cygnet places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, development, and retention, offering apprenticeship opportunities, comprehensive training and clear career pathways.
This investment in people has driven exceptional engagement across the workforce. In Cygnet’s most recent staff survey, 88% of employees said they enjoy working for Cygnet and low turnover and high retention buck national healthcare staffing trends. Use of agency reduced from 12.1% to 7.8% and turnover reduced from 27.4% to 21.2%, in 2024.
Dr Romero added: “Being shortlisted is a proud moment for everyone at Cygnet but it is just the beginning. We will continue to put those in our care at the heart of all we do, and work in partnership to support every person in achieving their goals and living as independently as possible.”
The winners of the LaingBuisson Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Thursday 20 November.