Your Paediatric Psychology Team

Dr Megan Maidment – Lead Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

Megan joined the Paediatric Psychology Service at Bedfordshire Hospitals as the Service Lead in June 2022. She qualified as a clinical psychologist in 2014, and has worked in paediatric health settings ever since. Megan has supported children, young people and families who have been living with a wide range of different medical conditions and symptoms. She has trained in a variety of psychological therapy approaches (including cognitive behavioural therapy, systemic therapies, narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and EMDR), which means that she can offer different types of support for children, young people, and families, depending on what will suit them best or be most helpful. Megan’s main aim is to help everyone find ways of ‘living their best life’, so that they feel confident about managing their medical condition and can spend more time doing the things that they enjoy most.

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday, Bedford Hospital/Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Dr Jenna Parker – Senior Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

Jenna joined the paediatric psychology service in 2023. Prior to this she enjoyed working in the community supporting families in the perinatal period. She is also working in our Neonatal Units, with our littlest patients and their families. Using a variety of psychological approaches, Jenna enjoys adapting her practice to create the most helpful and accessible therapy for young people and their families. Approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focussed therapy (CFT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Jenna is also a certified Circle of Security Parenting facilitator, and is passionate about helping parents and carers understand their children’s emotional experience. Jenna has an extensive history of working therapeutically with families and young people across different settings, including schools, hospitals, and at home, and is committed to supporting families with difficult experiences, providing the opportunity to support positive long-term outcomes.

Working Pattern: Thursday and Friday, Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Dr Candice Williams – Senior Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

Candice joined the Paediatric Psychology Service in 2024 and has worked clinically in the NHS for the past ten years including work with children, young people and their support networks in CAMHS teams. Candice uses integrative approaches often leaning on elements of cognitive behavioural therapy including third-wave approaches (CFT and DBT), dyadic developmental practices and narrative approaches, all of which can bring playfulness and creativity to enhance emotional wellbeing. Candice is also trained in Video-Feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting (VIPP) and often draws upon systemic thinking and principles within her work. She believes that there is an important role for connection, community and empowerment when working with children and young people, and ‘meeting someone where they are at’ can be key in their journey.

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday, Bedford Hospital

Dr Leighton King – Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

Leighton has worked within NHS services since 2015, joining the team in 2024. He has predominantly worked within complex settings with multiple services supporting individuals. Throughout his work, he has been humbled by the ingenuity and wisdom of children, young people and their support networks. For Leighton, the most important part of working with anyone is developing a therapeutic relationship that feels safe enough. Leighton also values finding opportunities to invite curiosity and creativity into therapy. Leighton’s work is informed by systemic, narrative, community and compassion-focused approaches.

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Patsy Tulloch – Paediatric Psychology Secretary