SummaryWith the launch of the Fair Deal for Mental Health campaign in 2008 the Royal College of Psychiatrists made a commitment to ensuring that ‘training for psychiatrists promotes the recovery approach’. National guidance emphasises the universal applicability of the recovery values for anyone of any age who has a significant mental health problem. Yet there has been little thinking as to whether the recovery approach is applicable to old age psychiatry and particularly to dementia care. This article explores the striking similarities between a recovery-oriented approach and person-centred care, the particular challenge posed in dementia care and the benefits of a collaborative approach in pursuit of common purposes.

Aims and MethodA telephone questionnaire to assess psychotherapy training in the 12 psychiatric training schemes in South-West England was conducted in April 1999. The findings were compared with the 1993 guidelines recommended by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.ResultsOnly one scheme was achieving the standards set by the College guidelines. The majority of trainees in this region were not receiving adequate psychotherapy training.Clinical ImplicationsPsychotherapy training for psychiatric trainees needs urgent review in South-West England.

Aims and MethodTo determine psychological morbidity among staff following actual or threatened violence from patients on acute psychiatric wards. A retrospective survey of all 156 clinical staff on Exeter's acute psychiatric wards was conducted by means of an anonymous questionnaire using standardised measures.ResultsThe response rate was 81%, and 72% of respondents had experienced one or more distressing incidents of actual or threatened violence within the previous year. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire and Impact of Events Scale scores were significantly higher in those who reported exposure to ‘frequent’ violent incidents.Clinical ImplicationsSome National Health Service staff may be harmed psychologically when they are at work. This consequently may have implications for patient care, employer liability and recruitment.

Aims and Method To determine psychological morbidity among staff following actual or threatened violence from patients on acute psychiatric wards. A retrospective survey of all 156 clinical staff on Exeter's acute psychiatric wards was conducted by means of an anonymous questionnaire using standardised measures. Results The response rate was 81%, and 72% of respondents had experienced one or more distressing incidents of actual or threatened violence within the previous year. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire and Impact of Events Scale scores were significantly higher in those who reported exposure to ‘frequent’ violent incidents. Clinical Implications Some National Health Service staff may be harmed psychologically when they are at work. This consequently may have implications for patient care, employer liability and recruitment.