‘We need a more psychological NHS’

Dr Adrian Whittington will be working to expand psychological professions, increase their impact, and incorporate them in policy development.

Adrian, who has been working as a clinical advisor at NHS England and Health Education England for the past four years, said 'We need a more psychological NHS. It is what the public wants, we have great evidence for the effectiveness of psychological interventions and yet most people who could benefit do not have access to them. We also need more psychologically-informed care across the healthcare system. We have seen examples recently in the media of inpatient mental health care that was far from therapeutic. I wanted to take up this new role because I want to help change these things.'

There has not been a role like Adrian's in the NHS since 2004, and he said its creation was an important step forward. 'It means that the psychological professions, including psychologists, psychological therapists and psychological practitioners, can be considered across policy development and delivery, including workforce planning. The role sits alongside the other professional leadership in medicine, nursing, allied health professions and other groups, supporting the delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan. It represents a deliberately joined-up approach across the psychological professions, which creates a stronger influence and greater public benefit.'

Adrian said there was much to do, including the expansion of psychological professions into the treatment of physical health conditions. 'We also need to develop more coherent and inclusive career paths for psychological professionals, with routes to progress within all of our occupations, and fair access to and inclusion in psychological professions careers, aiming to create a workforce that is representative of the population it serves.

'Finally we need to enable and empower psychological professionals as professional and clinical leaders in the NHS at all levels. Stronger professional leadership across NHS structures can continue to create a strong and united voice for psychological practice across the NHS, for the benefit of the public. At a time when the NHS is facing some significant challenges, a more psychological NHS is not a luxury, but can offer important solutions to support effective care.'

To get involved, you can join regional psychological professions networks, for free.