NSFT staff are helping shape the next generation of mental health practitioners in new book
The experience and knowledge of two staff members from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) has been included in the first textbook dedicated specifically to advanced practice in mental health.
The book, ‘The Advanced Practitioner in Mental Health’ was edited by Clare Allabyrne and published in April. It will be a key resource for advanced practitioners, students, apprentices, clinical leaders and educators, and will be widely used across universities and healthcare courses to support the development of advanced mental health roles.
Sue Bridges, a Consultant Nurse at NSFT who specialises in Learning Disability and Autism, was invited to write a chapter focussing on improving mental health care for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Sue was approached by Clare after she recognised the need for a dedicated chapter on making reasonable adjustments within mental health services. Working alongside Jo Delree, an academic and fellow learning disability nurse, the chapter centres on the Green Light Toolkit, an audit tool designed to help mental health trusts meet the needs of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. It also combines clinical practice with academic insight, offering practical guidance for delivering equitable, person-centred care.
Sue said: “I am incredibly proud to participate in the book and highlight NSFT as a leader in the rollout of the Green Light Toolkit nationally. It is a privilege to know my contribution to the book will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of mental health professionals and how they support autistic people and people with learning disabilities.”
Meanwhile, Stuart Maddock, a Consultant Nurse in the West Norfolk Adult Community Mental Health Team, was invited to write a chapter on holistic care and the Biopsychosocial Framework. The chapter explores historical development of healthcare, and how mental health care has evolved to a more integrated approach that considers psychological and social factors alongside physical health.
Stuart said: “I feel very proud to have been involved. It has been a privilege to contribute to what is, to my knowledge, the first textbook dedicated specifically to advanced practice in mental health. It is rewarding to know it may help future generations of practitioners develop their knowledge and skills.”
NSFT’s Chief Nurse, Anthony Deery, said: “I would like to congratulate both Sue and Stuart for the significant contribution they made to the book. Their chapters not only highlight their professionalism and knowledge, but it also demonstrates the important work taking place within NSFT to deliver safer, kinder and better care.”