Annual Report 2010 - St. James's Hospital

CNon Directorate Specialities I Psychiatry
Psychological Medicine Service
Continued support of and working with the emergency
department has led to signifi cant involvement in the
development of the emergency medicine programme
nationally. There is regular review of practice and close
liaison of both senior medical and nursing interfaces. Regular
teaching with junior staff occurs both on a formal and informal
basis in the emergency department. Incorporation into the
intern teaching occurred this year and there is continuation
of a national lead in psycho-oncology training with a number
of week long courses taking place. Changes have taken
place in the staffi ng of the psychological medicine services
with negotiations undertaken to set up the fi rst intern post in
psychiatry nationally. Similarly, the possibility of developing
an alliance with general practice training is underway.
A major initiative was undertaken with respect to cancer
related fatigue. A DVD and booklet have been developed with
a strong cognitive behavioural theoretical basis. The service
has contributed to peer review journals and continues with to
collaborate in research projects in the hospital. Current work
includes developing an approach to chronic pain and ongoing
work in respect of relationship between trauma and post
stroke fatigue.
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