News

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has announced their new Presidential Leads for 2023-2026, which includes two colleagues from the Partnership: Philippa Greenfield, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist at C&I and Dr Ed Beveridge, Clinical Director for Hospital Services at BEH.

The College is the professional medical body responsible for supporting psychiatrists throughout their careers, and is responsible for setting and raising standards of psychiatry in the UK. The College's Presidential Leads support and advise the President and College Officers in all matters relating to a specific area of their work, as well as leading on the development and delivery of relevant projects.

Philippa, who has been appointed as the new Joint Presidential Lead for Women and Mental Health, said:

“I’m proud to take on this newly created, important role at the College. The creation of the role demonstrates an important commitment by the RCPsych to truly start to acknowledge and address the mental health needs of women, that have to date not been given adequate focus or attention.

"My co-chair and I will use this important opportunity to continue to bring strong voice to the issues that we know affect women’s mental health (e.g. gender based violence) and are faced by women in our workforce. We will campaign to address data, research and training gaps in the workforce and promote and encourage system change to embed best practice responses.”

Ed, who has been appointed as the Presidential Lead for Physical Health, said:

“It is great news that the Royal College has decided to put the physical health of our patients back in the spotlight by creating this role. I have worked with the new President on this agenda before, and we are both very committed to the cause of preventing our patients from dying up to 20 years earlier than the general population. I think it’s one of the biggest health inequities of all.

"Those of us who work in mental health services have both the skills and the opportunities to improve our patients’ physical health and wellbeing. I’m excited to work locally with patients, carers and systems to make real and sustainable change”.

Congratulations to both on these appointments!