David Shiers

David Shiers a former GP in Leek, North Staffordshire, became involved in the early intervention reform of the mid 90s after his daughter’s experience of a severe psychotic illness in her adolescence motivated him to initially complain about the lack of appropriate service. The complaint was taken seriously by the West Midlands Health Authority, and generated a small and highly committed group intent on radically reforming services to provide early intervention for psychosis, exactly what his daughter and others like her were not receiving at that time.
This group became know as IRIS (Initiative to Reduce the Impact of Schizophrenia) and was to have much influence on subsequent EI reform. For instance IRIS developed the original EI guidelines in 1998 that was to be incorporated into the National Policy Implementation guide of the National Service Framework for Mental Health. IRIS continues as a national network of regional EI leads led by Stephen McGowan – an update of its guidelines in 2012 continues to influence service development as can be seen in The latest Access and Waiting Times Commissioning Guidance on EIP
In 2002, David changed his career to jointly lead with Professor Jo Smith the National Early Intervention in Psychosis Programme (2004-2010). Collaborating with international colleagues in pioneering early intervention reforms in many other countries, David has contributed to initiatives such as the Early Psychosis Declaration, adopted by the WHO and the International Early Psychosis Association in 2004. More recently he has participated in developing NICE guidelines and NICE quality standards for the care of young people experiencing psychosis.
He was also been a clinical advisor to the recent National Audit of Schizophrenia. In particular David has sought to improve their frequently poor physical health, teaming up with Sydney colleagues to lead an international initiative entitled Healthy Active Lives. This interest has included participating in major national research projects, alongside his appointment in August 2015 by Manchester University to become an honorary reader in early psychosis.