Mills joins Cygnet as group director of nursing

Cygnet Health Care has appointed Shane Mills as group director of nursing.

Mills (pictured) joins the company from NHS Wales and has more than 20 years of experience across clinical, commissioning and quality roles in mental health and learning disability services.

He began his career after training as a registered mental health nurse at the University of Leeds, after a period in HM Forces and working in the US. He has since held a series of senior roles in Leeds, Manchester and Wales, most recently leading the development of national commissioning structures, clinical standards and audit systems for NHS Wales.

At Cygnet, Mills will oversee more than 2,000 nurses across its health and social care services. His role will involve working with clinical and operational teams to strengthen professional development, embed evidence-based practice, and support a positive working culture across the group.

‘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,’ said Mills. ‘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.’