Talia Berry

Elected for a first term in May 2022.

Why did you want to become a governor?

I wanted to become a governor at the Tavistock because I am keen to use my personal and professional skills in a new environment. I want our local population to have the psychological services they deserve and want to play a role in shaping the services the Tavistock provides, continuing to see it provide a first-class service to patients as a renowned educational institution. I am also aware that I can’t jump around in a pair of scrubs forever and if I can use the skills I have learnt in the world of medicine in another capacity I would be delighted!

What skills and experience do you feel you can bring to the role?

My background is a lengthy career working as an NHS emergency medicine clinician, now a consultant, formerly at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead and now at North Middlesex Hospital, Haringey. I am also a lecturer at UCL Medical School in Professionalism and Patient Safety. I have a strong focus on transformation and governance in my NHS role and my colleagues will confirm that I leave no stone unturned in my quest to improve patient experience and safety. I see many patients with mental health diagnoses on a daily basis at work and also understand much about the mental health and wellbeing of our staff, their stressors exacerbated in the current working environments. My UCL role has given me a good insight into the work going on for our transgender community and the difficulties these people face in our communities and establishments. I have a good understanding of the ethical debate around transgender issues and have much experience of the very real anguish that these adolescents and adults face having seen many present in our clinics and emergency departments.

Do you have any relevant interests (financial, political or other) to declare?

None.