Leading Aberdeen Psychiatrist Given Lifetime Achievement Award

A top Aberdeen psychiatrist has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in significantly improving patient care.

Dr Alastair Palin who works for NHS Grampian and is based in the Royal Cornhill Hospital was given the award by the Royal College of Psychiatrists at their General Psychiatry Conference in Belfast, this month.

The clinician has had a long career within psychiatry and is one of the most prominent general adult psychiatrists in Scotland.

As well as his work improving care for patients - Dr Palin also received the award for his work in general adult psychiatry at local, national and international level.

He was also recognised for having a track record in leadership and being recognised as an expert in his field.

Dr Jane Morris, chair of RCPsych in Scotland congratulated Dr Palin on his Award. She said: “We’re all thrilled that Alistair has been recognised by the College in this way with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“His notable achievements include a visionary contribution to the leadership of mental health services, the ability to connect with people in his signature friendly and cheerful manner, and his genuine concern for us all during the COVID crisis.

“He is a beloved figure among patients and peers alike and has inspired many generations of psychiatrists.”

Dr Alastair Palin said: “ "I thank the College for this honour, which is a very pleasant surprise.

“I would like to share the award with the many wonderful colleagues with whom I have worked with - but also more importantly with all the people, their families and carers, who it has been my privilege to work with and hopefully help, over my career."

Dr Palin studied for a medical degree at Aberdeen University and trained at both Aberdeen and Edinburgh University. He has been a member of RCPsych since 1987 and Fellow since 2001.

He was a full-time consultant in adult psychiatry between 1990 to 2014 and since then has continued to work as a consultant part-time.

Dr Palin was clinical director from 1999 and since 2014 has been a medical director for Mental Health and Learning Disability Services in Grampian.

He also spent four years as a clinical advisor in adult mental health for Health Improvement Scotland and has been vice-chair and then chair of the medical managers group for the College in Scotland.

He still sits as chair on several groups including the system wide adverse event group, clinical and care governance group for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities in Aberdeen City – as well as Mental Health and Learning Disability Services across Grampian, the Forensic Strategic Programme Board and the Police Liaison Committee.

Dr Palin’s specialises in multi-agency team working and models of care for general psychiatry services with particular focus on working with primary care colleagues, who he has published several research papers with.