In this blog, Alex Pavlovic, director of medical education and associate medical director, reflects on the School of Psychiatry conference 2024, the theme of which was 'addressing inequalities through new models of care.'
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On 22 November we had the privilege to host the annual Yorkshire and the Humber School of Psychiatry conference 2024 with the theme 'addressing inequalities through new models of care' on behalf of the NHS England.
It was a day marked by exceptional teamwork, thought-provoking discussions, and a shared commitment to fostering equality in mental healthcare. With more than 150 participants, including trainees and trainers in psychiatry, the event highlighted the collective dedication to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the healthcare system today. A particularly inspiring aspect of the conference was the active participation of trainee and resident doctors. It was heartening to witness their keen interest in political and systemic issues, as they engaged in reflective and informed debates throughout the day.
Their discussions demonstrated a deep awareness of the broader societal and structural factors affecting healthcare, paired with a remarkable level of knowledge and skill. These future leaders of psychiatry showed a commitment to addressing inequalities, signalling a promising future for the profession.
The conference also brought together both local and national leaders, creating a unique platform for exchanging ideas and experiences.
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The conference was opened by inspiring messages from South Yorkshire mayor, Oliver Coppard, and Salma Yasmeen, chief executive of SHSC, who spoke about the importance of addressing inequalities at a population level. Oliver’s call to action encouraged all present to champion socio-economic equities in everyday life.
Salma delivered a heartwarming and passionate address, urging doctors to think about the health and wellbeing of the whole population and lead by example.
This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion, featuring regional and national leaders. Gavin Boyle, CEO of the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, provided valuable insights on system leadership, stressing the importance of collaboration across healthcare organisations. Our medical director, Dr Helen Crimlisk, delivered an inspiring message on workforce development and education, inviting everyone to have a deeply personal response to current societal issues. Professor Tim Kendall shared his national expertise on new workforce models, challenging everyone to think about how evolving needs of mental health services can be met with innovative approaches. Melissa Simmonds, community network leader for health equity, underscored the significance of equity from the viewpoint of carers, service users and voluntary, community and social enterprises. Dr Mohinder Kapoor illustrated the importance of working closely with communities using examples of his work with the Sikh community.
In the afternoon, Dr Lada Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, joined via video link. Her powerful talk on racism and the importance of equality in the workforce resonated deeply with attendees. Dr Smith emphasised the urgent need to tackle systemic racism and create a more inclusive environment within the healthcare system, setting a tone of reflection and action for the rest of the day.
Interactive workshops enriched the day, focusing on various aspects of inequality, including challenges faced by international medical graduates, interactions between primary care and secondary care and using public health approaches to address the inequalities. These sessions were well attended and generated lively discussions, reinforcing the shared commitment to addressing these issues collaboratively.
SHSC is committed to academic excellence, and Dr William Gann, consultant in eating disorders, talked about his research project on use of psychedelics in treatment of depression. It was an excellent neuroscience complement to the conference mainly grounded in social sciences.
The success of the 2024 School of Psychiatry conference lies not only in the depth and breadth of its discussions but also in the team that organised it. NHS England thanked the Trust and said that the conference 2024 would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the Postgraduate Medical Education team. As director of medical education, I had the privilege of leading this incredible group, including Emma Hewitt, William Wright, Frances Thurston, Penny Hicks, and Karen Holmes.
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Their tireless efforts, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond ensured the seamless delivery of an inspiring and impactful event. The sacrifices they made to bring this vision to life are a testament to their commitment to education and the advancement of psychiatry. Together, we created a space for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and action. It is with immense gratitude and pride that I thank my team for making this conference a resounding success.
