Brian Senior Advanced Practitioner

I have been apart of the Picton PCN Mental Health Team for the past two years. Qualifying as a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 2004, I have since gained experience working on an Acute Mental Health Unit, Accident and Emergency, Crisis Resolution Home Treatment, Hospital Psychiatric Liaison, Assessment services, and Early Intervention for Psychosis. I have completed a BSc in Mental Health and Social Care, have an independent non-medical prescribing qualification and an MSc in Advanced Mental Health Practice.

Within my role at the PCN I assess, review, and offer diagnosis while also developing treatment plans with our patients. My varied experience has been key in the further development of the service by offering appointments focussed on diagnosis and follow up for those with long term conditions that may have been discharged from secondary mental health services but require ongoing monitoring and support.

Working with the team has provided me with an exciting new career challenge supporting the diverse patient group we serve in a Primary Care setting. Many of our patients have multiple and complex needs, and this has offered scope for professional growth and development in my practice.

As a team we appreciate that some patients may experience some degree of anxiety or worry about coming in to see us with mental health issues often quite sensitive and society continually trying to challenge stigma. If patients would feel more comfortable bringing a family member or a friend for support, then we would welcome this or even if they would like to speak to one of our care co-ordinators beforehand they will be able to hopefully ease some of these worries and explain a bit more about what to expect.