Psychiatry

Psychiatric services for deaf people

Who are we?

Our experts are all nationally and internationally recognised professionals working in British Sign Language with people who are audiologically and/or culturally deaf. They have shaped policy and practice nationally and across Europe, and continue to work in a variety of domains and geographical areas across the UK.

 

 

Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

Dr Alex Hamilton

Dr Hamilton is based in the East Midlands but will travel nationally and internationally. He is a consultant forensic psychiatrist who specialises in working with Deaf people. Dr Hamilton grew up in a Deaf family and uses BSL fluently. As a trainee he worked in both Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals, including at the National High Secure Deaf Service and then worked for nearly 12 years at St Andrews Hospital as a consultant forensic psychiatrist in the specialist Deaf service, including 5 years in which he was clinical director for medium security. During this time he developed specialist community forensic mental health services for Deaf people.

IN 2026 the specialist Deaf service became part of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where Dr Hamilton now works as a specialist consultant forensic psychiatrist for Deaf people.

Dr Hamilton works with NHS England advising on specialist Deaf mental health services, and is co-chair of the SignHealth Deaf Mental Health Network.

Dr Hamilton can provide forensic assessments of mental disorder and treatment needs for Deaf people, medico-legal reports including criminal and family cases, as well as providing support and advice on working with Deaf people with mental health problems.

Professional Memberships

  • General Medical Council Number: 6135174

  • Dr Hamilton is on the specialist register for Forensic Psychiatry

  • Member of the Royal College of Physicians

Additional Information

  • Fluent BSL