Consultant brings ‘extensive knowledge’ to Royal College of Psychiatrists | News and events

Dr Kapil Bakshi, a consultant psychiatrist at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), has been elected as the chair of the Eastern Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych).

He will formally step into the four-year term as chair in June.

Kapil, who lives in Norwich, has been a consultant for 15 years and currently works with the perinatal team at Hellesdon Hospital, providing clinical leadership and supporting patients with complex needs during the perinatal period.

He has held roles in RCPsych Eastern Division’s executive committee for the past six years, and he was encouraged by committee members to stand for the role as chair.

He said: “It’s an honour to represent your colleagues on the division. It is our professional body and to be involved in its functioning and contributing to the work of the college is a privilege to do.

“I hope that I can facilitate more trainee psychiatrists and consultants to be involved in the work of the College and contribute to the setting of professional standards and policies.”

Over the past two decades, Kapil has worked in education and medical management with the Trust, holding positions such as college tutor and deputy medical director. Outside the NHS, he is on the board of a national charitable organisation delivering care to people with mental illness and substance misuse.

“The most important thing is to be open to opportunities,” he said. “If something comes my way, my general tendency is to say yes rather than no - a lot of things happen in that way.

“Yes, my core job is a consultant, but getting different experiences and having a mix of strands to it is what I find interesting.

“I didn’t join the college with the intention of being the chair, but it has developed in an organic manner.”

Dr Faisil Sethi, chief medical officer and deputy chief executive at NSFT, said: “I’m delighted that Kapil has been elected chair of the Eastern Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It is an honour for a consultant and leader at our Trust to hold such a crucial role at the College which oversees the training of psychiatrists, policy making, standard-setting, and being the voice of psychiatry in the United Kingdom.

“I’m positive that Kapil will thrive in this role and his extensive knowledge and leadership experience will positively influence the profession.”