Introduction
A defining feature of the IoPPN has been its partnership with the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust. Together, we have redefined mental illness, its treatment and its place in society.
This partnership stretches all the way back to 1896 when the neurologist Sir Frederick Mott proposed a then novel concept of university training courses in subjects related to psychiatry.
This idea began to take shape in 1914 when London County Council agreed to establish a hospital in Denmark Hill where research and education would be embedded with care, and where patients would be treated voluntarily with an ambition to re-integrate them back into society.
Made possible by a generous donation from Dr Henry Maudsley, the Maudsley Hospital first opened its gates to the public in 1923. Within ten years, the associated Maudsley Hospital Medical School was officially recognised by the University of London. The School retained its name until 1948 when it became a founding member of the British Postgraduate Medical Federation and changed its name to the Institute of Psychiatry (and now the IoPPN).
In those 100 years since the Maudsley opened, we have been connected not just through geography, but through consistent collaboration over the last century. It is a shared history in the development of psychiatric care and treatment, a world leading role in research-led neurology and neurosurgery, and the training of generations of psychiatrists and mental health practitioners.
This partnership is one of the key reasons IoPPN is in such a unique position to answer the most complex research questions. We subscribe to a Statement of Common Purpose to “work together to establish the best possible care for people who experience mental health problems… promoting excellence in research development and teaching in the sciences and disciplines key to the understanding and treatment of mental disorders and related disorders of the brain… and developing the best service models for the community.”
It has been – and very much remains – an enduring and fruitful partnership, facilitating seamless movement of researchers and clinicians between the institutions.
To mark this centenary, we hosted three special events in 2023 which reflected on and explored the hospital’s influence on psychiatry and the IoPPN.
Maudsley 100 Grand Round(s)
To celebrate in inimitable Grand Round(s) style, a host of illustrious names who trained and practised at the Maudsley over the years were invited to share their memories of their time there as well the immense changes they’ve witnessed in the field of psychiatry. Life may have taken many of these academics and clinicians to other parts of the UK and the world – ranging from Europe, USA, Australia and the UK but one thing that connects them is each left their mark on the Maudsley… and Maudsley left its mark on them.
Watch the recording here
50 years of excellence in research (and some rubbish): Reflections on Professor Sir Robin Murray's time at 'The Maudsley'
Professor Sir Robin Murray began working at the Maudsley Hospital in 1972, and in this wide ranging talk, he discussed the highs and lows of half a century at the IoPPN and the Maudsley Hospital in Denmark Hill.
Watch the recording here
60th Maudsley Debate: “100 years is more than enough: This House believes that psychiatric hospitals should be consigned to the history books”
Our Maudsley 100 series concluded 60th Maudsley Debate. Chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, speakers for the motion were Dr Andrew Molodynski (Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust) and Dr Andrew Scull (University of California); and speaking against the motion were Dr Lade Smith CBE (President of Royal College of Psychiatrists) and Dr Helen Killaspy (University College London).
Watch the recording here