The event was attended by over 150 guests including service users, bed managers, commissioners and special guest, David Naghi, the Mayor of Maidstone.
Guests were treated to entertainment in the form of Matty Evans, a magician and music from Josh Hassell. Mocktails were also served to keep everyone refreshed. Tours of the building were provided by the hospital manager Simba Kaseke and his team.
A popular activity on the tour was the smoothie bike on the therapy corridor which was run by Sue Hart, Lead Occupational Therapist and her team. Guests were invited to get on the bike and cycle in order to make their own smoothies! There were also presentations on the day from the local police, fire brigade, Samaritans, Narcotics Anonymous and Ashtons Pharmacy.
At 11.15am there was a special ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the hospital. Speeches were given by the Mayor of Maidstone and by Nicky McLeod, Chief Operating Officer of Cygnet’s Secure Services division.
“Cygnet Hospital Maidstone is one of the early pioneers of the Kent Medical Campus, and I am delighted to open this modern, specialist healthcare care facility for the benefit of Kent patients now and in the future.”David Naghi, Mayor of Maidstone
The event was organised by the administration team’s Maria Wakeford and Alison McCulloch who did a fantastic job. Thanks also to the housekeeping and catering teams for all their hard work to make the day a success.
“The new hospital has been purpose-built to meet the latest NHS specifications for improving mental health within a therapeutic environment and will ensure Kent patients can receive the treatment and care they need close to family and friends.”Simba Kaseke, Hospital Manager
The hospital will open for admissions in October 2018 and will provide four specialist mental health services:
- Roseacre Ward – Highly specialised female personality disorder service (CCG)
- Kingswood Ward – Male high dependency inpatient rehabilitation service
- Bearsted Ward – Male PICU
- Saltwood Ward – Male low secure service
For more information about the services at the hospital please visit the Cygnet Hospital Maidstone page.