The government has appointed its first Director of Mental Health and Adult Social Care.

Andy Weir, who has been a Registered Mental Health Nurse since 1995, has spent the past four years with the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

He has also worked as the Head of Healthcare at HMP Brixton, Director of Operations for the Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Trust and Executive Director of Specialist and Forensic Services for the West London Mental Health NHS Trust.

"I’m really excited about this opportunity to lead and develop mental health services in Jersey. While I recognise that there are challenges currently facing the services, during my recent visit to the Island I also observed significant amounts of commitment, expertise and opportunities to develop.

I believe my breadth of experience in mental health and senior leadership experience, alongside my partnership approach will prove beneficial in supporting the development of these services."

An independent report into adult mental health services last year exposed a lack of leadership by senior management, and a failure to learn from serious incidents.

Recruiting an experienced Director of Mental Health was one of the recommendations made.

A Jersey Mental Health advocate was very critical of the government and has called for 'urgent, robust, and sustained action to challenge what has become a culture of complacency in some of our senior practitioners and outdated practice.'

"Andy has an accomplished record at transforming and shaping mental health services across a wide range of settings.

I’m delighted to announce his appointment to the role as his experience will be invaluable in helping to enhance Jersey’s Health and Social Services." - Deputy Trevor Pointon, Assistant Health Minister with responsibility for mental health services.

UPDATE: In response to a follow-up question from Channel 103 about Mr Weir's appointment, the government has confirmed it is an 'interim' one.

“Mr Weir is on a 12-month secondment from the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as part of the cover for Rob Sainsbury who is currently on secondment into the role of Acting DG for CYPES.” - Government of Jersey spokesperson.