A mental health hospital in Blackheath has closed after nearly three decades.
Cygnet Hospital Blackheath, which provided low-secure and psychiatric intensive care services for men, shut for good on October 31 following the expiry of its lease.
Patients have since been relocated to alternative placements, including at the newly opened Winston Court at Cygnet Churchill, in Lambeth, and at the enhanced psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone.
Hospital manager Rebecca Fordwor said: "We mark the end of an extraordinary chapter spanning more than 20 years.
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"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of staff, past and present, for your commitment, professionalism, kindness and contribution to Cygnet Hospital Blackheath."
The hospital in Blackheath Hill, which opened in 1998, earned a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commission after its most recent inspection in December 2021.
It supported men experiencing complex mental health needs and its Tyler Ward was accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Quality Network for Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (QNPICU).
Many staff members have built their careers working at the site, such as Sandie Rogers, a mental health law practitioner who joined the service as a medical secretary in May 1998.
Ms Rogers said: "I am very sad to see the end of Cygnet Hospital Blackheath. Working at the service has meant a great deal to me.
"I have been able to utilise my skills in office management and learnt so much about mental health law.
"Over the years, I have met and worked with some very kind, caring and hard-working people."
On October 23, employees gathered to celebrate the hospital’s legacy, taking part in games, awards, and shared memories.
Some staff members have moved to other Cygnet Health Care services, hospital manager Rebecca confirmed.
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