Published on: 2nd October 2025
SAS Week is a chance for employers and national organisations to recognise and thank SAS doctors for their work.
To mark the occasion, our Chief Medical Officer and SAS Advocate share a few words about why SAS doctors are important at LPFT:
Girish Kunigiri, Chief Medical Officer, said:
"Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors are an integral part of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce, especially within mental health trusts. As a Chief Medical Officer, the contributions of the SAS workforce for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust cannot be underestimated. SAS doctors are a group of highly skilled clinicians who deliver vital care, drive innovation, and provide continuity in our service provision in addition to providing leadership in teaching and training, involving in quality improvement programmes, service development, governance and promoting clinical leadership in the organisation. SAS doctors particularly in Lincolnshire which has one of the large costal and rural geographical area have built resilience within medical workforce and have been instrumental in safe delivery of services including resident doctors industrial actions.
"In mental health trusts, the complexity of patient needs and the requirement for long-term continuity are paramount. SAS doctors provide flexible, skilled, and consistent support to multidisciplinary teams.
"SAS doctors in our Trust have many years of experience in mental health, this translates into nuanced understanding of psychiatric conditions, psychopharmacology, and the social determinants of mental illness. In practice, our SAS doctors frequently manage complex caseloads, conduct assessments, formulate management plans, and provide ongoing care for patients with severe and enduring mental health difficulties and discuss with their named consultant where appropriate.
"We are very lucky to have SAS doctors who have been with both the Trust and their individual teams for some time. This allows them to provide a high level of continuity of care, which is especially valuable in mental health settings where stable relationships and consistent approaches are linked to improved outcomes. Our SAS doctors are trusted figures for patients and colleagues alike, helping to build therapeutic alliances, facilitate recovery, and reduce the fragmentation sometimes experienced in services with high staff turnover. Through their advocacy, SAS doctors promote patient rights, dignity, and empowerment. SAS doctors are attuned to the complexities of mental illness, including cultural, social, and physical health factors. Their holistic approach and advocacy for vulnerable populations make them indispensable champions of equitable, compassionate care.
"For me, SAS doctors are indispensable to the operation and advancement of our Trust. Their clinical expertise, continuity of care, leadership, and educational contributions underpin high-quality mental health services. As mental health care evolves, the value of SAS doctors will only become more apparent, affirming their place at the heart of a modern, effective, and inclusive NHS. I for one, cannot underestimate their value and the contribution to both our patients and the Trust."
Kehinde Onipede, SAS Advocate, said:
"In my capacity as a Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) Advocate within LPFT, I have had the privilege of representing the interests and professional development needs of SAS doctors across the organisation. The role encompasses offering support and guidance to colleagues, ensuring that their voices are heard at Trust level, and contributing to initiatives that enhance both professional growth and staff wellbeing.
"LPFT has been consistently supportive of this role, recognising the importance of strengthening the visibility and contribution of SAS doctors. The Trust has provided the necessary time and resources to carry out advocacy responsibilities effectively, as well as opportunities for engagement in leadership discussions and organisational development.
"The culture within LPFT is one that values inclusivity, collaboration, and professional recognition. Through its encouragement, I have been able to promote career development opportunities for SAS colleagues, highlight their essential contributions to patient care, and ensure their perspectives are represented in decision-making processes.
"The Trust’s commitment to the SAS workforce demonstrates a forward-looking approach, ensuring equity of opportunity and recognition for all medical colleagues. I am grateful for the strong support that LPFT has provided, which has enabled me to fulfil the responsibilities of the SAS Advocate role with confidence and effectiveness."
For more information about SAS Week, visit the BMA website here.
