Leigh Wilkinson - Hospital Manager

Leigh has worked at Cygnet since November 2017 having previous work experience of 10+ years in the NHS in secure and rehabilitation settings including medium, low and step-down services for both male and female patients. This includes Ward Manager of a Low Secure Male Ward, Bed Manager at Guild Lodge, Head of Healthcare at HMP Kirkham and HMP Preston and Service Manager for the Health and Justice Unit at Lancashire Care Foundation Trust.

After managing the 'Outstanding' rated Cygnet Fountains, Leigh was appointed hospital manager of Cygnet Lodge Salford in May 2021.

Dr Arifur Rahman - Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Rahman joined Cygnet in December 2020 as a consultant psychiatrist for Cygnet Lodge Salford. Prior to this Arif has had over 10 years’ experience as a consultant psychiatrist including a 24 bedded in patient mental health rehabilitation hospital, a regional lead consultant for Lancashire addiction service, national lead for Young Person’s addiction services and over 5 years’ experience as a consultant psychiatrist for the NHS in Greater Manchester.

He graduated from the University of Sheffield Medical School (MBChB) and completed post graduate training in the Sheffield and West Midlands deaneries where he gained qualifications including Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), Post Graduate Certification in Adolescent Addiction Studies (PGCert), and CCST in General Adult Psychiatry with endorsement in Addiction Psychiatry.

He also provides specialist assessment and treatment services for Adult ADHD, has publications in alcoholic liver disease and is an approved trainer for the Manchester Post Graduate Deanery.

Dr Safaq Khan - Specialty Doctor

Shafaq is the Speciality Doctor at Cygnet Lodge Salford. As part of her role, she is responsible for overseeing the clinical needs of service users, including monitoring medication and physical health as well as facilitating GP liaison and external healthcare referrals.

Shafaq completed her psychiatric training in the NHS, working within a range of settings such as CAMHS, general adult, older adult, and forensic services. Since advancing to the position of specialty doctor in 2015, she has gained experience in both general adult and addiction psychiatry. Shafaq is dedicated to providing the highest possible standard of work and strives to continue making impactful contributions to both her colleagues and the service users under her care.

Sanele George - Head of Care

Sanele is currently the Head of Care at Cygnet Lodge Salford. She has worked as a mental health heath nurse for the past 13 years and has experience including working within the NHS in a range of different mental health settings including; the community as a CPN, rehabilitation units and inpatient services.

Sanele has completed a BA (hons) Degree in social work in 2008 and went on to complete BSC (hons) in mental health nursing in 2010. Sanele’s vision has always been to help and identify issues or barriers that affect the service user experience when in hospital. She strives to implement changes to the service in order to build a great experience for recovery using a recovery model which focuses on person-centred care. Sanele demonstrates natural qualities of a good leader by leading by example, and encouraging others to develop their skills. To further these skills, Sanele went on to complete a level 5 management and leadership course, which has enabled her to evaluate leadership styles and techniques to create a cohesive team.

Donna Coyle - Head of Occupational Therapy

Donna is the Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist at Cygnet Salford Lodge. She left Ireland to pursue her career in Occupational Therapy graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2009 with a BSC (Hons) degree. She has over 10 years’ experience in the NHS, working in a range of different mental health settings including community and inpatient services.

Donna’s motivation and passion for her profession have resulted in a keen interest in service development. She has developed several Therapy Teams across Acute settings, and designed service development pathways. As a result this has motivated individuals towards a positive change in culture.

She continues to further her professional development having completed a level 5 management and leadership course, Modules in CBT approaches, and in 2019 was awarded “OT of the Year” at her previous trust. Donna is enthusiastic about contributing too and improving the service user experience.

Dr Sofia Sykinioti – Head of Psychology

Sofia is an integrative practitioner and some of the approaches I use include EMDR, PCT, CBT, and DBT. She has worked in various different settings and has experience developing psychological services in mental health rehabilitation services. Sofia has experience working with complex mental health difficulties, acquired brain injury, eating disorders, international students, and people in acute psychiatric wards.

Sofia completed her graduate training in 2014 and proceeded to post-graduate studies in England and Scotland. She completed her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of Manchester. Sofia has presented her academic work at national and international conferences, has worked as a visiting lecturer at the University of Chester, and is a published author. Sofia has experience of organising CPD training and networking events, and has been the committee chair of the British Psychological Society, division of Counselling Psychology north-west branch for 2020.