Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust announces senior research and medical leadership changes
Date added: 01 October 2026
Last updated: 01 October 2026
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust has announced a series of senior appointments to strengthen research and medical leadership as it works to make mental health care easier to access, use and trust. All 3 appointments take effect from 1 October.
The appointments come as the trust continues to respond to changing and increasingly complex mental health needs across Kent and Medway. Its approach is focused on providing support earlier, strengthening community-based care, creating more joined-up pathways and working closely with partners across the health and care system.
Supporting the trust’s commitment to listening, learning and improving care with the people and communities it serves, Dr Jo Rodda will become Co-Director of Research, working alongside Professor Sukhi Shergill.
Together, they will provide strategic leadership for the trust’s research programme, helping to embed evidence and learning in everyday practice, create more opportunities for patients, carers and staff to take part in research, and provide greater support for the research team. This additional leadership will give colleagues more opportunities to develop their skills and expertise, while supporting the team to deliver high-quality research.
Dr Koravangattu Valsraj will take up a new role with the Integrated Care Board as Deputy Chief Medical Officer. The appointment will strengthen collaboration between mental health services and the wider health and care system, helping to bring mental health expertise into system-wide clinical leadership and decision-making.
As part of the changes, Dr Mohan Bhat will become the trust’s sole Deputy Chief Medical Officer, working alongside Dr Afifa Qazi, Chief Medical Officer. He will support medical leadership across the organisation and help maintain a strong focus on clinical quality, safety and improvement.
Dr Afifa Qazi, Chief Medical Officer at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “These appointments bring together considerable clinical, research and leadership experience. Jo, Koravangattu, and Mohan are all highly respected colleagues who have made significant contributions during their time at the trust. Their knowledge of our services, our communities and the challenges we face will be invaluable as they take on these roles. They will help the trust build stronger partnerships, support innovation and keep improving the quality of care provided to local communities.”
She added: “I would like to congratulate Jo, Koravangattu and Mohan on their appointments and thank them for their continued commitment to the trust. I look forward to seeing them bring their experience and expertise to these important roles and to the contribution they will make to our trust and the wider health and care system.”
The appointments support Doing well together, the trust’s five-year strategy, which focuses on timely access, safe and consistent care, better experiences, prevention and partnership.
