Trust Clinician Nominated for BBC All in the Mind Award
Dr Ilenia Pampaloni, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lead for the National OCD Service, is a finalist in the BBC All in the Mind Award’s. Dr Pampaloni was nominated by Duncan, a patient previously on an inpatient ward at Springfield University Hospital. The awards recognise the unsung heroes that support people who are struggling with their mental health.
As part of the nomination, they were interviewed by BBC Radio 4, where they were both able to share their story:
Since the age of 14, Duncan suffered severe mental illness and says that until last year, “rarely a month went by” without being confined to his bed for at least a week, battling panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and extreme suicidal ideation.
“Dr Pampaloni and her team have changed my life and probably saved it. Since being discharged, I’ve not had a serious relapse.”
“Life before was extremely difficult. I would become bedridden, unable to look after myself, and extremely suicidal. I always had the ability during the good times to have some hope, but that was slowly waning year on year when I wasn’t getting any better.”
Duncan explains that he went through various diagnoses, but it wasn’t until he was under the care of Dr Pampaloni that they were able to recognise what he had been trying to explain all along.
Dr Pampaloni says that her first impression of Duncan was that he was “a lovely person.” She explains that the benefits of an inpatient unit mean that teams have the privilege of being able to observe someone over days and weeks.
“There would be a complete change from Duncan as engaging and funny, to when he was feeling low, panicking, and paralysed by indecision. He’d really need a lot of support for basic daily tasks. It took a good 6-8 weeks to understand that we were in front of something a bit different.”
Speaking of his care, he says:
“It was life affirming. Others had said they don't know what's wrong, and they don't know how to help. Dr Pampaloni recognised that I had a complicated case, but that there is a way out. She offered me hope. She's very kind and informal, and able to cut through the fear. In an inpatient service, you get to know the professionals dealing with you. The holistic team approach was really what got me across the line.”
Speaking of her approach to patient care, Dr Pampaloni believes that it is her job to “hold the hope for those who are feeling hopeless.”“Being caring, kind and looking at the person rather than the illness is ‘what really drives me.’”
Duncan's story highlights just how profound an impact every team member on a ward can have. From nurses to therapists, the exceptional care he received at every stage of his journey was integral to his recovery. It’s a powerful reminder of how collaborative effort and dedication truly make a difference in a person’s journey to recovery.
