Mental health trust strengthens research ambition with role at Kent and Medway Medical School

Professor Sukhi Shergill, Director of Research and Innovation at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, has been appointed as the substantive Director of Research at Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), marking a significant step forward in the existing partnership working between the 2 organisations.

This appointment builds on the trust’s growing track record of delivering impactful research and innovation, including work to improve dementia diagnosis, better understand women’s mental health, and the development of new models of community-based care.

At the heart of this ambition is the trust’s commitment to ensure that research is not separate from care, but fully embedded in how services are designed and delivered, improving outcomes for patients and supporting staff to continuously learn and innovate.

As Director of Research at KMMS, Professor Shergill will play a key role in building on this progress, strengthening links with academic partners, increasing research activity, and supporting the trust to develop new approaches that benefit patients, carers and communities across Kent and Medway.

Partnership with KMMS will support stronger collaboration between clinical services and academic expertise and position the trust at the forefront of research into mental health, population health, and integrated care.

Dr Afifa Qazi, Chief Medical Officer for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said:
“This is an exciting moment for our organisation. Professor Shergill’s appointment strengthens our ability to bring together clinical expertise, academic leadership and innovation in a way that will make a real difference for our patients and communities.

“We are ambitious about what we can achieve, and this is about building a culture where research, learning and improvement are part of everything we do.”

The trust’s ambition is to be recognised not only for delivering high-quality care, but for being a centre of excellence in research and innovation, working in partnership with communities, academic organisations and system partners to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.

Speaking about his strengthened role within the trust, Professor Sukhi Shergill said: 
“I am delighted to take on the role of Director of Research at KMMS at such an important moment for the trust. We have been building a strong foundation of high-quality research and innovation here, and a real commitment to improving care through evidence and learning.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to build on that, especially working more closely with our own clinical teams, academic partners and communities to develop research that is meaningful, inclusive and directly improves outcomes for patients.

“By strengthening our partnerships, particularly with Kent and Medway Medical School, we will create new opportunities for our staff, across all disciplines, attract further investment in research, and ensure that Kent and Medway is recognised as a place where innovation thrives and where research makes a real difference.”