Agents of change in an ever-evolving Health Service

From my first lecture in my BSc Psychology degree, I have been passionate about creating change through observing the broader systemic issues at play. Having specialised in forensic settings before clinical training, I dreamt of all the ways I could create change in the justice system.

I have been on a journey of empowerment and despair – mainly the latter – about the change I could make as a single person within national systems that have been embedded and created throughout history. I know little about law, and never felt that my personality would be suited to a career in politics. But when I saw the opportunity of a placement with Dr Lisa Cameron MP, I thought it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Breaking down barriers

Dr Cameron is the first Clinical Psychologist ever to be elected to the UK Parliament, and she has worked hard to introduce and promote psychological approaches within the political world.

Aside from her many parliamentary duties, she is the Chair for several House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Groups – representative, informal cross-party groups that promote and discuss issues of concern. These include APPGs for Health, Disability and for Psychology. Dr Cameron breaks down barriers through these groups and increases access between organisations and the Parliament.

With her passion and ambition to increase the psychological presence and perspective within Parliament, Dr Cameron has offered a third-year specialist trainee Clinical Psychologist pilot internship placements to support her in these endeavours.

Dr Cameron had a vision of the transferability, applicability, and Psychologists having a voice in social policy. With the National Health Service being a constitutional organisation for the UK, and a constant point of discussion within politics, what better place for psychologists to be agents of change?

Evolving and integrating

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS, an institution that has witnessed significant changes, faced numerous challenges, and adapted to evolving healthcare needs. In parallel, mental health and the field of psychology have also experienced remarkable growth and integration within the healthcare system, playing a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of patients.

As we celebrate this vital milestone, we must acknowledge the NHS's achievements, recognise current challenges, and appreciate the impact and growth of a biopsychosocial model of care.

Establishing a free-at-the-point-of-use healthcare system was a groundbreaking concept that aimed to address inequalities and improve public health. Over the years, the NHS has worked tirelessly to continue adapting to the fast-evolving world. The initial focus of the NHS was on providing medical care for physical ailments; but as our understanding of health expanded, the intrinsic link between body and mind gained recognition. This realisation paved the way for integrating psychology and mental health services within the NHS.

Initially, psychology within the NHS primarily focused on clinical interventions, such as psychotherapy. The field expanded to encompass a broader range of applications, including psychological assessment, research, early intervention and prevention. Psychologists within the NHS now work across various domains, from primary care settings to specialised mental health units. They are vital in supporting individuals experiencing mental health issues, offering evidence-based interventions, and developing innovative treatment approaches.

Most significantly, as the field of psychology has continued to develop, the value of having a psychological perspective on broader systemic issues has received increased acknowledgement.

In today's world, the word 'psychology' is no longer only synonymous with the word 'therapy' but with 'leader', 'researcher', 'educator', and 'role model'. Clinical Psychology trainees are increasingly being trained to think more broadly about the systemic issues that may be at play within a therapy room, a team, a service, or even society. Presumably, new cohorts of Clinical Psychologists are entering the workforce as agents of change. By attending lectures, conducting impactful research, and working in different NHS services throughout their training, newly qualified applied psychologists are entering services with the therapeutic skills to support individuals and also to lead and evoke change in the service as a whole.

An environment for ideas

I would argue, though, that the potential impact of Psychology on society has often been overlooked. Psychologists – trained to reflect, critically analyse, listen, empathise, and connect with others – could do more to promote their invaluable formulations and understandings of the intersections of the world in which we live.

That's why initiatives like the placements in Parliament are so vital. They bridge the gap between psychology, politics and policy making. We can show that the role of psychology extends beyond clinical settings, offering a unique perspective on systemic issues and driving positive change in society. This journey continues, and with continued support and recognition, Psychology within the NHS will undoubtedly make even greater strides and have greater influence in the future.

The placement has allowed me to focus on the aspects that stretch learning. For me, these experiences have ranged from meeting with various health organisations, and supporting Dr Cameron to host an event, to tabling oral or written questions to Government Departments, undertaking individual casework, and observing parliamentary business. I have also written various articles related to topics of interest or raising awareness of the work of organisations. Most of all, the placement has permitted me to develop skills often overlooked in training –policy making, improving the reach of psychology into Parliament and building foundations between both worlds. The placement has taught me to feel confident, see value in my rich professional and educational experience, and to draw from my knowledge of psychological first principles to contribute to formal and informal discussions at events and meetings.

I have also been able to use my research and assessment skills and collaborate with political figures to help create and disseminate a survey to investigate the well-being of parliamentary staff.

Lastly, I have helped to create an annual programme for the APPG for Psychology, focusing on important subjects, such as Staff Well-being in the NHS, Equality, Inclusion and Diversity, and piloting an event for Clinical Psychology Trainees.

This is just the start. Dr Cameron's ambition to include more psychology in Parliament has fostered an environment for ideas and future projects to be developed, not only for future trainees undertaking internships with her but also through breaking down the barriers in accessing the Parliamentary world and in raising awareness of the impact and role psychologists can have in this setting. I'm confident that while Dr Cameron may have been the first clinical psychologist in Parliament, I am hopeful she won't be the last.