A KEWSTOKE doctor has won Medical Leader of the Year at a national awards ceremony for his work supporting people struggling with mental illnesses.

Dr Sai Achuthan in the Medical Director at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke, on Beach Road, a 71-bed inpatient hospital for men and women with mental health problems.

He was singled out during the Cygnet Annual Psychiatrists Conference and National Awards 2024 for his personal leadership and dedication to colleagues and patients.

Organised by Cygnet Health Care, one of the UK’s largest independent providers of specialised mental health services, the Medical Leader of the Year award celebrates a doctor who has demonstrated and contributed to medical leadership.

Presenting the award, Karen Johnson, senior vice president and chief clinical officer of Behavioral Health Division, Universal Health Services said: “Dr Achuthan promotes a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages collaboration and peer learning.

“He provides mentorship and career guidance to aspiring psychiatrists, supporting their personal and professional growth. “His collaborative and supportive leadership approach inspires his team to thrive and progress. Dr Achuthan collaborates with educators and institutions to enhance psychiatric education and share best practices.

“Dr Achuthan is highly respected for his open approach, his inspirational character and his passion and drive to make a difference.”

Dr Achuthan is the vice chair of the Mental Health Act Approval Panel South England and recently appointed as the Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists South West Division. Upon receiving his award, Dr Achuthan said: "I am delighted to win the Medical Leader of the Year 2024 award.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.

“Their support and collaboration have been instrumental in our achievements, and I share this honour with all of them."

Dr Achuthan gained his Primary Medical Qualification at Manipal University in 2012.

He then went on to specialist training in General Psychiatry to be on a Specialist Register with GMC.

He has also obtained his Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry and a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine.

Dr Achuthan joined Cygnet in 2019 working on learning disability, acute and older adults’ services at Cygnet Hospital Taunton.

In May 2022, Dr Achuthan later joined Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke as the Medical Director.

He is currently the consultant on Knightstone Ward, the female personality disorder service.

Dr Tony Romero, Cygnet CEO, said: “These awards recognise the achievements and the difference that motivated, compassionate and value-driven doctors and their teams make for our services users and our residents every single day.

“Their skills, commitment and willingness to go above and beyond ensures that as an organisation, we are improving lives together.

“In particular, Dr Achuthan gives our service users hope of a brighter future through constantly striving to provide high quality, safe, person-centred care.

“Putting service users and their loved ones at the heart of what we do is integral to our culture and this value is exemplified by Dr Achuthan on a daily basis.”