James (Jim) Foyle 1947-2023

I first met Jim in 1977. He was Head of Psychology at Cell Barnes Hospital, St Albans. This hospital has now closed; at that time the appellation 'Mental Handicap' was in use to describe the patients, some 650 people.

As well as in-patient care, the Psychology Department provided an out-patient service for families and psychological support for residential and day centres. The hospital was large, with a range of patients from teenagers to older adults.

Jim interviewed me for a clinical psychology post that I was not sure I wanted; I had not worked in an institution of this kind, and had much to learn. Meeting Jim persuaded me to take the post: he was warm, flexible, and immensely involved in improving care for the patients by almost any means possible.

I appreciated his support for new ideas and ways of working in a difficult and complex environment. There were many battles to be fought at that time, to establish psychological ways of working with staff and with patients. Jim was an ardent and effective protagonist in this setting. He was an innovative and effective manager. Over time, we became friends.

The hospital started to close down in the late 80's, and Jim left Cell Barnes in 1986. He became Head of Psychology at St Ann's in Haringey. I was happy to be able to follow him there, where he continued to provide a supportive and containing department at a time when changes in the NHS were frequent and at times bewildering.

One of the things I learned from him was the importance of building a department; he had an idea of a 'critical mass' of psychologists that would work together in a creative atmosphere. He would take in promising psychologists on an honorary basis, trainees in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, as well as offering the usual training in clinical psychology.

In addition, he established specialisms within the department, in HIV/AIDS, older adults, and group therapy, continually expanding the sphere of psychological support available in the area.

Many psychologists worked in this department who have since become widely regarded and well-known in the profession.

He semi-retired in 2011, returning to work for Dartford and Gravesham NHS aa a senior clinical psychologist working directly with families and adults with learning disabilities until 2018. Throughout his career and after he finally retired he sat on various management committees as a trustee and vice chair. These were charities involved in the provision of services for people with learning disabilities, mental health, and supporting people with alcohol and drug addictions.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. He leaves behind his wife, Carol, four children, and four grandchildren.