The organisation has been named a finalist for Best Neurological Care Provider, while three members of staff – Joanna Yarker, Sam Sherwood and Amy Leiter – have each been recognised for their outstanding individual contributions.
Best Neurological Care Provider
Cygnet has been shortlisted in the Best Neurological Care Provider category, recognising the organisation’s exceptional neuropsychiatric rehabilitation services.
The nomination reflects Cygnet’s commitment to delivering outstanding, person-centred care that empowers individuals to achieve greater independence and a better quality of life.
Across its specialist services, 93% of discharges were to more community-based settings, enabling individuals to step down to less restrictive environments. Outcomes also include a 50% reduction in behaviours that challenge and a significant reduction in the use of psychotropic medication within the first three months of admission. Environments are carefully designed to support emotional regulation, cognitive function and engagement in meaningful activity.
Families and carers remain at the heart of rehabilitation, with 90% saying they felt involved and informed, a testament to Cygnet’s inclusive approach. High standards of care are underpinned by continuous staff development, reflective practice and a strong clinical governance framework.
Dr Matt Rowett, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at Cygnet Health Care, said:
“Being shortlisted for this award is an incredible honour and a reflection of the dedication, expertise, and compassion shown by our teams every day. This recognition reinforces our commitment to innovation and to delivering the very best outcomes for the people we support.”
Managers of the Year
Sam Sherwood, Hospital Manager at Cygnet Pindar House in Barnsley, and Joanna Yarker, Hospital Manager at Cygnet Newham House in Middlesbrough, have both been shortlisted in the Manager of the Year (North) category.
Sam, who qualified as a mental health nurse in 1991, has almost three decades of experience in High Secure Services before moving into nursing home management and then joining Cygnet Pindar House. She now leads the 22-bed neuropsychiatric rehabilitation service supporting men with acquired brain injuries.
Sam said: “It is a proud moment for me to be shortlisted in these awards. This nomination means so much to me because it reflects the passion I have for supporting the individuals in our care and the privilege of leading such a dedicated, compassionate, extremely talented team. Every day I am inspired by the strength and resilience of the people we care for, and I love being part of their journey.”
Joanna began her career as a health care assistant before training as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse at Cambridge University in 1999. With more than 24 years’ experience in the NHS – including roles as staff nurse, modern matron and service manager – Joanna joined Cygnet in 2023 and now leads the 20-bed neuropsychiatric rehabilitation service for women with acquired brain injuries.
She said: “I’m incredibly proud and humbled to be shortlisted for this award. It’s a reflection of the amazing team I work with at Cygnet Newham House and the passion we all share for providing the best possible care. The best part of being a manager in neurological care is seeing the progress our service users make every day, even the smallest steps can have the biggest impact.”
Clinician of the Year
Also recognised is Amy Leiter, Clinical Manager at Cygnet Pindar House, who has been shortlisted for Clinician of the Year.
Amy began her career as a support worker at Cygnet Storthfield House in 2011 before training as a mental health nurse at Sheffield Hallam University. She joined Cygnet Pindar House in 2020 as a senior nurse, and through her commitment and leadership, she is now Clinical Manager.
The Clinician of the Year category celebrates individuals who demonstrate compassion in patient care, contribute to clinical practice and research, and provide leadership within multidisciplinary teams.
The Neurological and Complex Care Awards celebrate individuals, teams and organisations delivering high-quality, person-centred care for people with complex needs and neurological conditions.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year, bringing together the sector’s leading providers to celebrate excellence and innovation.