Our finalists include:
- Psychiatrist of the Year – Dr Jon Van Niekerk
- Specialty Doctor or Associate Specialist of the Year – Dr Jhansi Seekolu
- Specialty Doctor or Associate Specialist of the Year – Dr Angela Misra
- Psychiatric Team of the Year – Intellectual Disability – Spring Centre Autism Inpatient Team, Cygnet Hospital Harrow
Dr Jon Van Niekerk, Group Clinical Director at Cygnet Health Care and Chair of the General Adult Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, has been recognised for leading major improvements in clinical governance, supervision, and leadership development across Cygnet. His work focuses on digital transformation, co-production, and system leadership in mental health.
He said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for Psychiatrist of the Year by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. This recognition reflects not just my own work, but the commitment of so many colleagues, patients, carers and partners I’ve had the privilege of working with. At Cygnet, we’ve shown that compassionate, values-led mental health care can be delivered at scale and I’m proud to be part of a team that continues to innovate, listen, and learn every day.”
Dr Jhansi Seekolu, Specialty Doctor on the Springs Centre at Cygnet Hospital Harrow, expressed her pride in the dual recognition for both herself and her team.
She said: “I am deeply honoured to be shortlisted for the RCPsych SAS Doctor of the Year award, and extremely happy that our ward – Springs Centre – has also been recognised as a finalist for the Royal College’s Team of the Year award. These recognitions reflect not only personal growth but also the collective commitment to excellence in patient care and multidisciplinary collaboration.”
Dr Angela Misra is a Specialty Doctor at Cygnet Churchill, a 56-bed mental health hospital for men. She added: “Being shortlisted for the National SAS Doctor of the Year Award is both humbling and deeply affirming. It represents recognition of the thousands of unseen moments that make up an SAS career, the quiet leadership on the ward, the difficult conversations that turn conflict into collaboration, and the daily commitment to dignity and recovery.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues at Cygnet Churchill, whose compassion and teamwork make every innovation and improvement possible.”
The Springs Service (Springs Centre and Springs Wing) at Cygnet Hospital Harrow, a service for men with mental health needs and a diagnosis of autism, has been shortlisted for Psychiatric Team of the Year – Intellectual Disability.
Dr Azmath Khan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director, said: “I am especially proud of the Spring Centre team for this achievement. This shortlisting is the result of exceptional teamwork across the ward manager, nurses, clinical team leaders, healthcare support workers, and the entire allied health team including psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and activity coordination. Their collective dedication has truly shone through.”
Reflecting on the organisation’s success, Dr Tony Romero, Group CEO, said: “To have four shortlistings in one year is a tremendous milestone for Cygnet and highlights the talent, passion, and collaborative spirit that make this organisation so special.
“Each of these nominations reflects our shared commitment to delivering exceptional, compassionate care and to supporting our teams and staff in their professional growth.”
The RCPsych Awards celebrate excellence in psychiatry and mental health services across the UK, recognising individuals and teams who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and outstanding contribution to patient care.