New hospital for women’s mental health opens in Manchester

A new mental health hospital for women has opened its doors in Oldham, Manchester, UK for women in the North West – enabling women from the region closer access to mental health care.

The new 44-bed hospital at Cygnet Kenney House is on the redeveloped site of a former nursing home on Wester Hill Road, Fitton Hill, and has been designed with Cygnet’s in house interior design team in collaboration with existing service users and carers.

The service users and carers were consulted on artwork, furniture, flooring, wallpaper and soft furnishings to ensure the hospital environment is optimum for recovery.

Cygnet Kenney House says that the hospital has brought 135 new jobs to the Greater Manchester area.

Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to those who need it most. Cygnet Kenney House will provide a safe and supportive care pathway for women with mental health needs, and will allow people from the north-west to be treated closer to home.

“At Cygnet, we are driven by a singular purpose – to make a positive difference to the lives of the individuals we care for, their loved ones and all those who work with us. Cygnet Kenney House will bring multiple benefits, most notably to help more women with their mental health needs, providing care closer to home, alleviating pressure on the NHS by helping to reduce waiting times for those in need of support, and deliver economic growth for the local Oldham area.

“With the increase in need for specialist mental health services, we want to be part of the solution and work together with the NHS to provide the best treatment and facilities to help people on their recovery journey.”

Former Cygnet Hospital Sheffield patient, Mia McGowan, said: “I was once a patient in a hospital similar to this, and it was a place that changed my life. This new hospital will give many others the same opportunity. It’s more than just a building; it’s a safe space, a place where people can heal, learn, and grow.

“It’s not just the patients who will benefit. This hospital will be a support system for families too. We know how important it is for loved ones to be part of the recovery process, and this hospital will ensure they are involved, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

“Let’s not forget the impact this will have on our local community. This is a place where stigma is replaced with understanding, where people can come together to talk openly about mental health, and where we can foster a culture of compassion and support.

“As this hospital opens its doors, it opens up a future of hope, healing, and positive change – for the patients, their families, and our community as a whole.”