A New Era in Mental Health Care in Derbyshire
A new hospital has opened in Derbyshire, offering specialist care for adults dealing with eating disorders and other mental health challenges. The Cygnet Elowen Hospital, managed by Cygnet Health Care, is located in Shipley, Heanor, and features 24 beds across two dedicated wards. This facility aims to provide essential support for individuals struggling with eating disorders, personality disorders, and related mental health issues.
The hospital was officially launched on Wednesday (July 9) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Councillor Alan Abernethy, the Mayor of Heanor and Loscoe. He was joined by staff from Cygnet Health Care, NHS partners, local dignitaries, and a former patient who now plays an active role in supporting others undergoing treatment at Cygnet Health Care hospitals.
Community Impact and Job Creation
Councillor Abernethy expressed his excitement about the opening, stating: “It is a privilege to welcome Cygnet Elowen Hospital to our community. This state-of-the-art facility will not only offer life-changing support to adults across Derbyshire and beyond, but will also create valuable jobs and investment right here in Heanor and Loscoe.”
He added that he was pleased to see a service that combines clinical excellence with compassion, looking forward to the positive impact it will have on patients and their families.
Ward Names and Design Inspired by Patient Input
The names for the hospital’s wards were chosen by current and former patients at Cygnet’s Nield House service in Crewe. They selected “Nova,” meaning “new star,” for the ward catering to male and female eating disorder patients. The other ward was named “Alina,” which means “light,” for women with personality disorders and disordered eating.
The building’s layout, furnishings, colours, and artwork were designed with input from individuals with lived experience, aiming to create a calming and therapeutic environment that supports recovery.
Commitment to Compassionate Care
Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet Health Care, emphasized the importance of timely, specialist support close to home. He said: “Demand for high-quality eating disorder services continues to rise nationally, and we know that timely, specialist support close to home can make a critical difference in someone’s recovery journey.”
He highlighted that the hospital’s team has worked closely with individuals with lived experience to ensure the service feels welcoming and safe. Every element of the hospital has been designed to support long-term recovery, with a commitment to compassionate, personalized care.
Personal Experience and Advocacy
Molly Anderton, a former patient who struggled with anorexia during her teenage years, is now a Cygnet Expert by Experience. She has been involved in the planning and development of Elowen since January last year. Molly shared her perspective on the importance of the hospital:
“For many years I faced the wrath of an eating disorder which led to periods of hopelessness, despair and crisis. The number of inpatient admissions for eating disorders has risen consistently and dramatically, with community services being more stretched than ever.”
She noted that the surroundings in which patients recover can make a significant difference. “Those seemingly small details, the colour and fabric of the furniture, the location of the dining room, the pictures and decor on the walls, all contribute to creating an atmosphere of comfort, calm and healing instead of institutional, cold and harsh.”
Creating Employment Opportunities
The hospital has created around 100 jobs across various roles, including clinical, nursing, therapy, catering, domestic, and administrative positions. Facilities include en-suite bedrooms, therapy and treatment rooms, a quiet lounge, communal dining area, and a landscaped garden, along with on-site parking.
A Culture of Kindness and Understanding
Lisa Kaye Sutton, the hospital manager, added: “I am really proud to lead this new hospital and help support people in need of our care. We have assembled a skilled and compassionate multidisciplinary team who are passionate about delivering personalised care.”
She emphasized that from the initial planning meetings to the official opening, the voices of people with lived experience have guided every decision. “Cygnet Elowen Hospital truly feels like a place of safety, dignity and empowerment.”
