‘We need to keep working and be curious if we are to make mental health care more equitable’

‘We need to keep working and be curious if we are to make mental health care more equitable.’ – Billy Boland (Clinical & Public Health Aspects of Addiction, 2006)

What started with a challenging dissertation at King’s became a confidence-building moment that still guides Dr Billy Boland today in his role as Chief Medical Officer at South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust and as Clinical Director for Mental Health in the NHS England London region.

A standout moment during Billy’s studies was the dissertation for his master’s, which culminated in a first-author peer-reviewed research publication. He reflects: ‘I found the work disorientating at first, trying to make sense of a clinical phenomenon with different types of information and data, but my efforts paid off.

‘Finishing my project and sharing it with the world gave me confidence that I could do hard things in an uncertain context.’

It’s a lesson that’s served him well in his current role in NHS leadership:
‘Mental illness is a growing issue and NHS mental health services are under pressure. In this context, we are seeking to modernise our services, reduce health inequalities and improve the experience of people who access mental health care, and I'm working with leaders across the capital to make these changes.’

Billy’s motivation to improve mental health care has guided the path he’s taken.

‘As a practising consultant psychiatrist, I want to ensure that all patients get the best care. I believe in the ideals of the NHS and want the most disadvantaged groups in society to have access to world-class care.

‘My role as Chief Medical Officer gives me the privilege to work on these challenges. And when the NHS London opportunity came up, I saw a new way to work on this mission.’

While the challenges are big, Billy emphasises how important it is to keep moving forwards.

‘In my NHS Trust, we are working hard to reduce health inequalities for people who are racialised – we know that black people experience worse outcomes from mental health services than white people. While we’re seeing some positive early signs of change, we need to keep working and be curious if we are to make care more equitable.’

Billy shared his wisdom with new graduates when speaking at a King's graduation ceremony in 2025. He has advice for fellow alumni wanting to make a difference, but who are faced with uncertainty.

‘It can be difficult to see the change you are making so give yourself the space to review your progress from time to time. If you follow your heart and have integrity, it gives you the confidence to take action when the way forward is uncertain.’