Catherine Lay Brooks

Qualifications

Diploma in Professional Studies (mental health), MSc Forensic Mental Health, MSc Advanced Clinical Practice

Specialisms

Mental health advanced clinical practitioner, prison

Introduction

I have a wide range of clinical experience working with clients with varied and complex needs, in secure and non-secure settings. The majority of my experience is with adults, largely forensic mental health service users in both health and custodial settings. In my current role in a prison based mental health team I assess, diagnose and treat individuals with a range of disorders including psychotic illness, affective disorder, personality disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. I am experienced in assessing, formulating and managing risk in complex populations. I have an ongoing role providing consultation, advice and support to the nursing teams within the prison on case management, care planning and risk assessment and formulation.

Throughout my career I have worked collaboratively with service users and their carers and families to ensure the care I deliver is holistic and as collaborative as possible. I am aware of and take into account the multiple and complex needs of forensic service users when assessing and planning care, including the complexity involved in risk assessment with this population. I have experience developing service models, particularly clinical pathways and models of care. In developing these elements of the service I have sought and utilised relevant policy and research in order to ensure the guidance and therefore the practice of the team is evidence based and effective. I continue to critically review the literature relevant to the client group I am working with, and disseminate this within the team through various methods including supervision, team meetings and in revision of the service model.

I am experienced in managing and leading staff, both in traditional line management roles and in leading staff members in non-NHS roles. This has required me to use communication and negotiation skills, as well as value led leadership to ensure service users receive compassionate and quality care. Working in non-healthcare settings has required me to develop an understanding of different working cultures and different approaches, to use and adapt my communication skills and develop my resilience. I take responsibility for my personal development to ensure my practice remains evidence based and effective, and that I can work flexibly with a range of service users.

I accept instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.