Dr. Robert Mather
Interviewed by Julia Buchanan
Biography
Dr. Mather was interviewed by Julia Buchanan in September 2025. Dr. Mather was born in 1952. He studied medicine at Merton College, Oxford University. After qualifying, he initially completed jobs in paediatrics and obstetrics but then decided to become a General Practitioner. He returned to Oxford and became a GP at the Jericho Health Centre in 1980. He was later a GP Partner at North Oxford Medical Centre until his retirement in 2013. During his career as a GP, Dr. Mather developed a particular interest in patients’ mental health and came into contact with the various psychiatric services at the Warneford Hospital. He became a “Section 12 approved” Doctor (qualified to assess and retain mentally ill patients under the 1983 Mental Health Act) and also trained other doctors in this field. He was a Mental Health Act Commissioner 1997-2009, and later a member of the Care Quality Commission.
The excerpt:
In this excerpt, Dr. Mather reflects on how he became particularly interested in mental health in primary care. He talks about the expansion of mental health services in local communities, including the development of a counselling service for students, and the embedding of mental health care professionals within General Practice, which made care more accessible and familiar for service users.
The full interview:
The full interview includes the following topics: experience as a medical student at Oxford University, decision to go into General Practice, developing interest in mental health, introduction of mental health professionals into GP surgeries. Also, role as “Section 12 approved” doctor and role in teaching students and other doctors. Dr. Mather comments on the high quality of care at the Warneford Hospital, changes in support for students’ mental health, and the impact of the physical environment at the Warneford. The full audio recording and transcript can be accessed at the Oxfordshire Health Archive.
