Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist
MB BS FRCPsych
Ernest joined the St Andrew’s Adolescent service in April 2000 as a dual trained Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist and lifespan Learning Disability Psychiatrist.
Ernest has a wealth of experience; a specialist in learning disability and forensic psychiatry he has actively contributed through research, presentations, and as a Consultant Psychiatrist towards developments in the area.
Having graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine in 1986 he obtained the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 1994 and Ernest was elected a Fellow in 2010.
During his time at St Andrew’s, Ernest has pioneered some innovative practices, for example treatment for Developmental Trauma Disorder and complex developmental disorders requiring secure care including promoting a range of sensory interventions. He has pioneered using solution focussed work as part of an overall philosophy of care.
During Ernest’s established career he has made a number of key achievements; he won The Alec Shapiro Prize in 1996 and established Malcolm Arnold House at St Andrew’s in 2005 which leads the field in neurodevelopmental disabilities. Dr Gralton was a key clinician responsible for achieving NCG funding for 10 beds the same year. He also won The St Andrew’s Research Prize 2010 for his publication on patient information about psychiatric illness.
Ernest’s is an active member of a number of interest groups; Royal College of Psychiatrists Forensic Child and Adolescent Special Interest Group and the St Andrew’s Consultancy Service Steering Group.
Ernest has organised and participated in a number of conferences; he was Conference Organiser and speaker at Developmental Traumatology - the Covert Crisis in Secure Setting, held at St Andrew’s Healthcare in June 2007. He also lectured at ‘Kids Company’ Conference What Matters to Every Child - on the subject of Brain Function in adolescents at the Camelot Foundation in London October 2007 and is Speaker at the forthcoming KidsAid Conference in September 2011.
He edited Forensic Issues in Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities published in 2011 by Jessica Kingsley.
His key research interests include; offending in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders, complex PTSD/Developmental traumatology, Bipolar Disorder in learning disabled Adolescents and models of care for secure inpatient settings for adolescents.