Greenacre Ward, a low secure service for men with mental health needs, and Oaktree Ward, a low secure service for women with mental health needs, have both received accreditation from the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services.
Accreditation, run by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, involves the assessment of competence and fairness and the compliance of their work to nationally recognised standards, in this case, the standards for forensic mental health services for low secure wards. The standards act as a framework by which to assess forensic mental health services.
The two wards, part of Cygnet Hospital Woking, underwent a peer review where the team assessed standards of care, current facilities, standards of documentation and health records, environmental features, and staff training qualifications, support and supervision.
Service users were complimentary about their experiences at the service with one patient on Oaktree Ward saying, “I have nothing but praise for this ward.”
Lindah Munowenyu, Clinical Manager at the Cygnet Health Care service, said: “This achievement is the result of sustained hard work, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality care. I am immensely proud of our team and grateful to everyone who has contributed to this success. We remain committed to ongoing development and to providing the best possible care for the people we support.”
The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ report described the hospital and ward environment at Oaktree as “commendable”.
It also praised both wards for the level of patient involvement, with patients being offered a wide range of vocational and volunteering opportunities as well as paid roles at the service, such as running the tuck shop.
Co-production was highlighted as an area of good practice at the Cygnet Health Care wards, with service users helping senior staff deliver training sessions to their colleagues.
Carla Roadnight, Hospital Manager at Cygnet Hospital Woking, praised her teams for achieving the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services accreditations.
She said: “I am incredibly proud of the positive cultures on these wards which have contributed to this double achievement. Every day, I see the teams working with compassion, professionalism and mutual respect.
“These supportive and collaborative environments not only enhance patient care but also enables staff to feel valued, empowered and motivated. The pride our teams take in their work is evident, and it is this culture that continues to drive high standards and meaningful improvements across our hospital.”
Cygnet Hospital Woking is a 62-bed mental health service for adults, located on Redding Way.