Dr Michele Hampson, Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s Clinical Director for Adult Mental Health Services, has been named Psychiatrist of the Year 2010 by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The annual RCPsych Awards mark the highest level of achievement within psychiatry, and are designed to recognise and reward excellent practice in the field of mental health.
Dr Hampson was recognised for her work in improving facilities for vulnerable adults detained by the police under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. She was instrumental in the creation of the Cassidy Suite at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, the Section 136 suite which opened in September last year. The judging panel commented that Dr Hampson’s work was “a national achievement that involved many agencies and overcame many obstacles.”
Delighted to receive the accolade, Dr Hampson said: “When I won the award I commented that I accepted it on behalf of all those who have made me the psychiatrist I am. I am grateful to all those locally and nationally, from all professional walks of life, service users and carers who have guided, encouraged and supported me. I am delighted that there is now evidence that the care of those initially detained by the police under Section 136 has improved markedly, both locally and nationally and I plan to continue to work on this until national guidance becomes a clinical reality in England and Wales.”
Dr Hampson was presented with her award by Professor Dinesh Bhugra, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, at a prestigious ceremony held at the Royal Society of Medicine on 16 November.
Professor Bhugra said: “Through the RCPsych Awards, we bring national recognition to those individuals who are delivering the very best care for service users and their carers. Dr Hampson is not just an outstanding psychiatrist in her local area. She has also played a crucial role in ensuring that people who are taken into care by the police under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act receive the assessment and treatment they need. On behalf of the College, I warmly congratulate her on winning this award.”
Mike Cooke, Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire Healthcare said: “We are absolutely delighted for Michele. This is a very well deserved recognition for all her hard work and dedication. We wish her many congratulations.”
