Michael Sharpe retires as Psychological Medicine Lead

The Lead for Psychological Medicine at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) has retired from the position after more than a decade in the role.

Professor Michael Sharpe has been associated with OUH for more than 50 years and has retired from his Trust Lead role and associated University of Oxford posts.

He first worked for the Trust in 1973, as a labourer digging the foundations for the John Radcliffe Hospital during the holidays while a university student, and has subsequently worked at OUH as both a Junior Doctor and Consultant. 

He will remain an Honorary Consultant at the Trust and will continue doing research in the University.

With the support of the late Dame Fiona Caldicott, OUH Chairman at the time, Prof Sharpe set up the Trust's innovative Psychological Medicine service, which enhances patient care by integrating Psychiatry and Psychology into medical care.

Launched in 2011, it is now part of the Oxford Psychological Medicine Centre, a joint Trust and University venture that has received a number of national and international awards.

The Centre has been described as a 'beacon of integration' by NHS England, used as a national exemplar on integration by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and won the Royal College of Psychiatrist National 'Team of the Year' award in 2018.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof Sharpe designed and supported the implementation of a Psychological Medicine information and support programme for clinical teams and, subsequently, helped establish a long-COVID clinic.

He said: "I am honoured to have had the opportunity to serve as Trust Lead for Psychological Medicine for more than a decade. I am extremely proud of the work done by my many colleagues in the Psychological Medicine Centre to improve the lives of our patients.

"In my future roles I will endeavour to do what I can to continue to support, safeguard, and publicise their great work."

Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at the Trust, said: "Prof Sharpe was instrumental in developing both the Psychological Medicine service and the Oxford Psychological Medicine Centre. It has been a privilege to work with him and I know he will be greatly missed.

"While we are sad that he is stepping back from his Trust Lead position, we thank him immensely for all that he has achieved over the years for our patients and staff. We are looking forward to building on the foundations he has laid for Psychological Medicine at OUH."

Pictured: Prof Michael Sharpe, left, was this year elected as President of the EAPM (European Association of Psychosomatic Medicine)