David Ekers, Clinical Director Research and Development, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
David is a nurse leader with over 30 years' experience in mental health. Since 2002 he has worked as a senior nurse in Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS FT combining clinical, research and leadership roles.
Our 60-second interview with David:
What do you do in the field of mental health?
I am the Clinical Director for Research and Development in a large Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NHS Trust. This means I have oversight of the research and development department and the research we support. I also am a Chief Investigator on the MultiMorbidity in Older Adults research programme funded by the National Institute of Health and Social care research (NIHR). I have researched the treatment of depression for many years. My research focuses on talking treatments in particular Behavioural Activation.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
I enjoy working with many different partners across all aspects of my work, from research participants, PPI advisors, clinical and academic colleagues. I am lucky to work with some great people which is always rewarding.
Testing new more accessible treatment options has always inspired me, so more people can receive acceptable and effective care.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Managing multiple priorities and targets across numerous partner organisations can be very complicated.
What impact do you hope your work is having- or can potentially have?
I hope my work as an Research and Development Director helps us make research more accessible for people using our NHS services. I hope my academic work improves depression care and opens the door for more people to access that care.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
Don’t wait to feel better to do things, do things to feel better.