Clair Carson to shape national approach to mental health care

Clair Carson, a mental health service manager for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Clair Carson, a local health service manager will help shape the future of mental health practice across the UK after being appointed to the Royal College of Nursing Mental Health Committee.

Ms Carson, a mental health service manager for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, secured one of just seven places on the committee following an application and interview process.

The committee is made up of experienced mental health staff who advise the Department of Health and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on policy and best practice in treating people with mental health conditions.

Ms Carson, who will serve a four year term from January 2015, has 22 years’ experience as a Registered Mental Health Nurse and manages acute mental health services in Rochdale, Bury and Oldham.

She said she was delighted to have the chance to influence approaches to mental health care across the UK: “It’s very exciting to have this chance to be on the cutting edge of shaping new mental health policy.

“Having worked with people experiencing serious mental health problems for more than 20 years, I know that receiving treatment can often be a difficult and daunting experience for patients.

“Joining the Royal College of Nursing Mental Health Committee gives me the chance to share this perspective and help to ensure all NHS staff have the training and guidance to make the experience of mental health care as positive as possible for patients and their families.”