Cygnet Welcomes New Director of Nursing from NHS Wales

Cygnet is delighted to announce the appointment of Shane Mills as its new Group Director of Nursing, bringing with him a wealth of experience, energy, and vision for the future of nursing within the organisation.

Cygnet is a leading provider of health and social care services for young people and adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders, autism and learning disabilities within the UK.

With a career spanning more than two decades in mental health and acute care settings, Shane joins Cygnet at an exciting time, where the focus on quality, compassion, and clinical excellence has never been more important.

Joining Cygnet from NHS Wales, Shane has vast experience in mental health and learning disability across nursing, commissioning and quality.

Speaking about his new role, Shane said: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining Cygnet. The organisation has a strong reputation for putting people at the heart of everything it does, and I’m looking forward to supporting our nursing teams to continue delivering the highest standards of care.

“Today, there are more than 2,000 nurses across the Cygnet Health Care and Cygnet Social Care services, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Cygnet is one of the largest and most respected providers of independent healthcare in the UK. To be entrusted with a leadership role here is an honour and I’m excited to be part of the journey of the organisation moving forward.

“I hope to make a meaningful difference by championing our nurses and ensuring they feel valued, heard and empowered.”

Shane’s clinical career started nearly 20 years ago, after a period in HM Forces and working in the USA, when he trained as a Registered Mental Health Nurse at Leeds University.

Since qualifying as a nurse Shane has worked in clinical, managerial and strategic roles in Leeds, Manchester and Wales. In his most recent role, Shane has been supporting the development of national collaborative commissioning structures for use by NHS Wales, writing the clinical standards and hospital audit processes and playing a leading role in developing the supporting infrastructure and electronic informatics system.

He added: “Joining Cygnet on International Nurses Day makes this even more special. I’m honoured to step into the role on a day we celebrate and recognise the dedication and impact of our nurses.

“Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare service. Their skill, compassion, and resilience are vital, not only in the care they provide, but in shaping safe, therapeutic environments where people can recover and thrive.

“There’s a shared ambition amongst Cygnet nurses to make a genuine difference in people’s lives and I’m excited to play a role in the continued delivery of outstanding care.”

In his new position, Shane will work closely with clinical and operational teams to enhance professional development, promote evidence-based practice, and nurture a positive culture where nurses can flourish.