Celebrating Our National and Specialist Services: Building on Strength, Shaping the Future
At South London and Maudsley, we have many amazing services. We are proud to be home to over 60 national and specialist services, including some of our most distinctive and innovative offerings—such as forensic and learning disability teams—that set us apart from other mental health trusts. These services are not just part of what we do; they are the jewels in our crown and make us who we are.
Over time, these services have grown organically, responding to need and innovation. However, with changes in commissioning and ongoing financial pressures, we’ve taken the opportunity to step back and strategically review how we can ensure these services remain sustainable, impactful, and aligned with our strategic ambitions.
We’ve already begun engaging with staff, service users, carers, and stakeholders through these workshops and their voices will shape the future of our services.
On 26 June, representatives from our staff, service users and carers as well as commissioners, came together at a workshop to share their views on how South London and Maudsley can develop the objectives for this strategy.
Throughout the discussion, themes that came out included
- supporting services to thrive;
- the importance of research, education and training;
- involving services users, carers and partners;
- prevention; and
- the importance of having the right infrastructure to support services in delivering the strategy
Looking ahead, we are working collaboratively across the Trust and with partners to:
- Develop a long-term strategy that supports national and regional impact.
- Ensure services are properly funded and aligned with future commissioning models.
- Embed a strategic approach to service development that allows our teams to thrive.
Ade Odunlade, Chief Operating Officer at the Trust said : “This is a moment of opportunity and optimism. By taking a thoughtful, strategic approach, we are ensuring that our national and specialist services continue to lead the way in mental health care and remain innovative, inclusive, and sustainable for the future.”
