Cygnet Hospital Maidstone - Maidstone

Sharon

My Son was transferred to Maidstone Kent, in the blink of an eye from another hospital. I can honestly say that the Staff at the hospital support for carers/parent of was impeccable. They informed us of the progress of his treatment, the staff assigned to him and the social work kept us informed every step of the way. we were informed of all round wards meetings. this is a very good program to keep parents, carers and patient up to date on progress and treatment weekly. The communication staff ,support, management during a very very difficult time just cannot thank the team enough

Pauline W.

In 17 years of my son being sectioned numerous times, this is his first time at Cygnet hospital.

What a massive difference. Perri has been 100% diligent in her job, the hospital has not rushed to dismiss him and they have taken my comments & experience with my son on board.

Cannot praise the hospital & staff enough.

Helen R.

My son spent almost 3 months on the PICU ward and the support he received was amazing. The communication between myself and the hospital was fantastic on what was an extremely difficult time.
We cannot thank the staff enough for the care my son received and we are so grateful for the understanding and support that was given to himself and his family

Adrian L.

My son was in the unit recently. Clinical care was ok but the staff didn't seem particularly caring/friendly either from his or our perspective. Communication between ourselves (his parents) was particularly poor. The ward phone was frequently unanswered or faulty. We requested updates from the ward round, which we didn't receive. He was discharged back to Stockport with no notification at all.

Dom C.

Had the unfortunate experience of staying at the male PICU. While the day staff are nice enough and run the routine of the day rather well and are affable and organized, the night staff are comparably ill equipped, being untalkative to the point of not seeming to understand English.

The amenities are very nice compared to an NHS ward and therefore can be deceptive. The food was above aveerage. And while very clean and provided a proper comforter with a well light room with good ceilings and a nice wood finish and chair, the common area is very restrictive. Cygnet do not provide enough staff many days to do offered amenities whether its using the patient's lounge or accessing the library (many staff didn't even know the latter existed).

On the flip side the OTs are very friendly and helpful. The only problem being is that they don't come around very frequently. Furthermore, while the complex looks great from the outside its very not especially nice inside, with all hallways being narrow and low-ceiling. While the area you're allowed to be in with family is well furnished, spacious and warm, patients aren't permitted leave owing to this place being out in the middle of nowhere. Which in turn creates a very stifling recovery process.

Worst of all the doctors are very distant and disorganized. The ones that look after the male PICU don't make eye contact, aren't especially friendly and don't take the time to read records or anything.

Overall I would strongly recommend against letting your family stay here if it can be avoided. If staff were more on the floor instead of always in their office, or the manager didn't seem to run out of the ward after morning meetings, then this place might be a bit better. But not being allowed your phone? Man, its really a tough place to be all things considered

Jonathan

EDIT.

Comms are very poor at this hospital.

Friendly staff, seem to care about patients.

The only negative is the staff parking, they either block all visitors spaces when Rest of spaces are free or even worse, park just in the centre of the car park.

hedi B.

The staff, doctors and managers are really good people

Ruby

Reception staff are rude