A new mental health hospital for women has officially opened in Oldham.

The 44-bed unit, named Cygnet Kenney House, is located on the redeveloped site of a former nursing home in Wester Hill Road, Fitton Hill.

Part of the Cygnet Health Care division, the development has brought 135 new jobs to the Greater Manchester area, with a range of career opportunities that includes healthcare professionals, clinicians, nurses, catering, domestics, and administrative roles.

The hope is that women from the North West will be able to access care closer to home and nearer to their supportive family networks.

Together with Cygnet representatives, the hospital was officially opened by Councillor Fida Hussain, Cabinet Member for Enterprise at Oldham Council.

Dr Tony Romero, chief executive 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.

“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.”

Cygnet’s in-house interior design team worked with existing service users, Experts by Experiences (EbyEs), and carers, who consulted on artwork, furniture, flooring, wallpaper, and soft furnishings to ensure the environment at Cygnet Kenney House is conducive for recovery.

Former Cygnet Hospital Sheffield patient, Mia McGowan, is one of the EbyEs who worked closely with the team at Cygnet Kenney House.

She 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.”

Hospital manager, Amardip Prihar, added: “Every person deserves access to a supportive and therapeutic environment, receiving safe, person-centred care in a place where they can rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.

“Cygnet Kenney House has been designed with this mission at its core. This will not just be a building where care is delivered; it will be a place of hope, recovery, and transformation, a place where women who have been struggling with their mental health can look forward to their future with optimism.”

Care will be delivered across three wards; Billington Ward, a 12-bed specialist Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU); Baldock Ward, a 16-bed acute service; and Harben Ward, a 16-bed mental health rehabilitation and recovery service.