Why SAS doctors are indispensable to our trust
Authors
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Dr Girish Kunigiri, chief medical officer, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) highlights the vital role of specialty and specialist doctors (SAS) doctors in mental health care, celebrating their clinical expertise, leadership, and enduring contributions to patient outcomes and service resilience.
In our mental health trust, the contribution of SAS doctors cannot be overstated. They are highly skilled clinicians who deliver vital care, drive innovation and provide continuity. They also lead in teaching and training, quality improvement, service development, governance and promoting clinical leadership in the organisation.
As mental health care evolves, the value of SAS doctors will only become more apparent, affirming their place at the heart of a modern, effective, and inclusive NHS.
At LPFT SAS doctors play a crucial role in strengthening our medical workforce. Our patients often have complex needs and they benefit from long-term consistent care. Our SAS doctors are essential in delivering this, providing flexible, skilled, and consistent support to teams from different disciplines. They can manage complex caseloads, conduct assessments, formulate management plans, and provide ongoing care for patients with severe and enduring mental health difficulties and discuss with their named consultant where appropriate.
We are very lucky to have SAS doctors who have been with the trust and their individual teams for some time, which is important in a mental health setting where stable relationships and consistent approaches are linked to improved outcomes. They are trusted by patients and colleagues, helping to build strong relationships, support recovery and reduce the disruption caused by staff turnover.
Our SAS doctors are powerful advocates for patient rights, dignity and empowerment. They bring a deep understanding of the complexities of mental illness, recognising the influence of cultural, social, and physical health factors. Their holistic approach ensures that care is not only clinically effective but also person centred and respectful.
This is why, for me, SAS doctors are indispensable to the operation and advancement of our trust. Their value to our patients and to the trust cannot be overstated.
