Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust is welcoming its new Medical Director this week.
Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Sarah Constantine, has joined the Trust from Southern Health Foundation NHS Trust and began her role on Tuesday 16 April.
Sarah said: “I am delighted to be joining AWP at a very exciting time, with mental health right at the top of the agenda as the NHS looks to deliver its Long Term Plan. The Trust is committed to using its expertise and resources to deliver high quality services that are safe and focused on people’s recovery.”
“I was interested in all things medical when younger and did work experience at Chippenham Hospital as a care assistant, where this developed my interest further.”
“As a medical student, psychiatry was often the only time I felt truly useful. I was able to gain information other people hadn’t, which helped clinical teams. In my mind psychiatry becomes more interesting as time goes on and I was attracted to psychiatry because of this.”
“I gained dual accreditation in older people and adult mental health and then moved into more leadership roles, where I was lead for the Mental Health Act and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). I completed a Masters in Healthcare Leadership and realised I could help shape services and provide high quality care in partnership with service users on a wider population level. I am really looking forward to getting stuck into my role and ensuring our service users and carers receive the parity of care and esteem they deserve.”
AWP’s Chief Executive, Dr Hayley Richards, said: “I am very much looking forward to working closely with Sarah, who brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the Trust. Sarah has a proven track record in medical leadership and will complement and enhance our senior management team.”
