David Geaney
Read about the memories of David Geaney
In 1991 I was appointed Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in the University Department of Psychiatry with clinical responsibility for the inpatients on Vaughan Thomas Ward at the Warneford Hospital. With the encouragement of Professor Phil Cowen (Honorary Consultant Psychopharmacologist) I introduced the routine use of low dose antipsychotic treatment for psychotic illnesses. This was at least as effective as previously used higher doses with the added benefit for patients of a marked reduction in extrapyramidal side effects such as Parkinsonism and akathisia(restless legs). It is now standard practice.
Around this time the main focus of clinical care was moving from the hospital in patient wards to the community and in 1995 I moved across to the NHS to become the consultant psychiatrist for the first Oxfordshire Community Mental Health Team fully based outside the hospital, in Thame, South Oxfordshire. Until my retirement in2012 I was able to admit and look after South Oxfordshire patients in the Warneford Hospital as well as in the community. It is my impression that this continuity of care, including a key worker from the CMHT, led to a reduced use of inpatient beds and an improved patient experience.
