The event was aimed at professionals working in mental health settings and explored issues surrounding the support of women in secure mental health services from a number of different perspectives. The conference was co-chaired by Cygnet Hospital Stevenage’s Dr Tim Exworthy (Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist) and Ron Gutu (Hospital Manager).
The first presentation of the day was by Dr Annette McKeown of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Dr McKeown provided an overview of the study of psychopathy in women and shared the results of some recent studies in this field. A particularly interesting aspect of Dr McKeown’s presentation was reflections on the impact that assessment of psychopathy has had on some of the women involved in the service.
The second presentation was from Lawrence Jones, Head of Clinical and Forensic Psychology at Rampton Hospital. Lawrence looked at the ‘ubiquity of trauma’ as an ever present theme in offense paralleling behaviour. His findings were backed up by two detailed case studies that showed clear links between past trauma and patterns of offending behaviour in later life.
The final presentation in the morning was from Cygnet Hospital Derby’s Dr Elizabeth Gethins and Courtney Grant. Dr Gethins gave an overview of the work done on the hospital’s Alvaston Ward, a low secure service for women with a diagnosis of personality disorder, on improving relational security. Dr Gethin’s talk was validated by the first-hand testimony of Courtney, a Clinical Team Leader, who gave an honest and inspiring reflection of her journey as a nurse on the service.
“We should not ask anything of a service user that we would not ask of ourselves.”Dr Elizabeth Gethins
The morning session concluded with a questions and answers session. Following a tasty lunch provided by the BMA catering team Cygnet Hospital Stevenage’s Dr Neeraj Tripathi and Dr Tim Exworthy gave an interesting presentation on the emotional, financial and medico-legal aspects of self-harm.
The final talk of the day was given by Sarah McCrory, Specialist Forensic Psychologist at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. The main focus of Sarah’s presentation was working with trauma in a female personality disorder service. In particular Sarah looked at the positive outcomes that can be gained from using EMDR to help treat trauma.
The conference was a great success and we would like to thank all those who attended and especially each of the speakers who contributed so much to a fascinating day.
Delegate Feedback
- “I found the conference informative. Many thanks to Cygnet for providing this conference, having a better understanding of the services that are available to meet the complex needs of vulnerable women is very useful.”
- “The Alvaston team gave a brilliant presentation on relational security. I loved the session presented by the chairperson as well.”
- “I enjoyed the range of topics and experience of the speakers. The venue was above expectations, as was the food.”
- “I thought it was a fantastic conference and relevant to my role. Some of the content was quite psychology heavy. As a psychologist I thought this was great!”
Presentations
The following presentations are available to download in pdf format.
- Dr Annette McKeown, Highly Specialist Forensic Psychologist , Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust – “Psychopathy in Women”
- Dr E Gethins, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, and Courtney Grant, Acting Clinical Team Leader, Cygnet Hospital Derby – “Working Safely with Relational Security”
- Dr Neeraj Tripathi, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist and Dr Tim Exworthy, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Cygnet Hospital Stevenage – “Suicidal behaviours on female secure wards: To treat or not to treat or when to treat?“