Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2009) 15: 404-410. doi: 10.1192/apt.bp.108.006064
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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The role of the medical director in mental health

Neil Deuchar and Elizabeth Atkinson

Neil Deuchar is Medical Director, NHS West Midlands; Associate Registrar (Medical Management) for the Royal College of Psychiatrists; and Honorary Senior Research Fellow to the Department of Neurosciences, University of Birmingham. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and a Fellow of the British Association of Medical Managers. Elizabeth Atkinson is Membership Development Manager for the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and supports Neil Deuchar in his work as Associate Registrar.

Correspondence: Correspondence Elizabeth Atkinson, Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG, UK. Email: latkinson{at}rcpsych.ac.uk

This article sets out the history of medical directorship, outlines the authors’ view of the current contribution that medical directors can and should be making to the mental health arena and looks forward to the possibilities of this evolving role. The focus of the article is mainly on English policy and healthcare structures, recognising that these vary in the other jurisdictions of the UK. However, certain principles should be of wider interest and application.