Bambos Charalambous, Labour MP for Southgate and Wood Green, visited Priory Hospital North London to learn more about the hospital’s specialist mental health and addiction services, as well as its role within the local health system.
Mr Charalambous (centre right) was welcomed by Jon Olsen (centre left), Hospital Director; Kiren Kaulder (left), Therapy Services Manager; and Sue Harms (right), Managing Director for Priory in the South, who outlined the hospital’s comprehensive treatment pathways for individuals experiencing acute mental health difficulties and addiction.
Discussions focused on the growing demand for specialist support, the impact of addiction and poor mental health on families and communities, and Priory’s national Break the Chain campaign, which raises awareness of the intergenerational effects of addiction and encourages people to seek help earlier.
The visit also highlighted the value of strong, collaborative working relationships with NHS partners to ensure patients receive co ordinated care and achieve positive long term outcomes within the community, as well as Priory’s work with national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma.
Mr Olsen said: “We were delighted to welcome Bambos to the hospital and to discuss both our mental health and addiction services, including how high quality clinical care, therapeutic expertise and ongoing support for individuals and families are all essential to supporting recovery.
“We also talked about the importance of strong partnership working with the NHS to ensure mental health patients receive co ordinated care that delivers the best possible outcomes.”
Mr Charalambous said: “It was a pleasure to visit Priory in Southgate and be welcomed by their hardworking staff and leadership team.
“I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about their work providing mental health and adult social care support locally, and what this means for constituents of Southgate and Wood Green.
“I was also interested to hear about their work with Chasing the Stigma and how important mental health awareness is to their role, both in our community and nationwide. I look forward to staying in touch with the team.”