Get to know Dr Jason Corner

Today we caught up with Dr Jason Corner so that you can get to know him a little better and what you might expect if you or your loved one has an appointment scheduled with our wonderful, extremely personable and kind assessor;

Tell us more about your role and who you work with in the course of your work at Thornton & Lee?

I’m Dr Jason Corner, but please do call me Jason. I’ve been working as a Mental Capacity Assessor with Thornton & Lee since October 2023. I live in Norfolk but I enjoy travelling to meet new people in the course of my work and so I offer face to face appointments for Mental Capacity assessments across the South East of England, and I’m equally happy to meet you to complete the Mental Capacity assessment together virtually over video assessment too. In my role I enjoy working with a broad range of adults with varying needs and from diverse backgrounds, I really enjoy learning about the person I am assessing, their experiences, and what is important to them.

What are your professional qualifications?

I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse qualifying with a 1st Class BSc in Mental Health Nursing in 2010. I also have a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership in Dementia Studies, an MSc in Clinical Research, and a Doctorate in Health Sciences. I am also a Senior Fellow of higher education, and currently the Course Director for an MSc in Mental Health Nursing at a local university. I am a specialist in the mental health of older people, particularly those with a diagnosis of dementia. I teach undergraduate and postgraduate students a range of topics relating to mental health, with a particular focus on the assessment and diagnosis of dementia, differential diagnosis of cognitive impairment, mental state examination and the assessment and use of the Mental Capacity and Mental Health Acts.

Tell us about your journey to be a Mental Capacity Assessor at Thornton & Lee?

I have always worked with people who have cognitive challenges, for a variety of reasons. I find it fascinating finding out about the person I’m meeting to complete the assessment. I always find the best assessment reports are those where I’ve really had the opportunity to discuss their history, and what is important them so that the assessment is rich and well informed. It was from my clinical role as a Nurse working in memory services that eventually led me down a more academic pathway undertaking scientific research of those experiencing dementia and working as a University Lecturer teaching the Mental Health Nurses of the future. Since working as a Mental Capacity Assessor at Thornton & Lee I’ve really relished bringing back something more person-focused into my working life. I find it extremely inspiring having an opportunity as a Mental Capacity Assessor to apply my academic knowledge and skills in real life when I meet clients during the appointment, whilst I continue to ensure I can put any worries they might have at ease as we get to know each other during the appointment.

What is your favourite part of working for Thornton & Lee?

My favourite part of working for Thornton & Lee as a Mental Capacity Assessor is arriving at the appointment to meet the client for the first time and being able to make them feel relaxed and at ease, despite the sensitive nature of the discussion that we might be undertaking together. I do this by ensuring at all times that they feel respected, and that I am both listening and respecting their independence, views and wishes, whilst I guide them through the appointment process.

Tell us something interesting about Mental Capacity assessments?

Whilst I will undertake the assessment using a ‘conversational approach’ which in essence is two people chatting through the questions together, Mental Capacity assessments are actually underpinned by quite a rigorous and structured process, which ensures that the rights of the person being assessed are protected. I really like that for a good Mental Capacity assessment how imperative it is to really understand the person I am speaking to. I love being able to weave their own story into the assessment process.

Do you have any tips for those booked to have a Mental Capacity assessment with you?

Be yourself, and I will help put you at ease to relax if you have been worrying about the assessment. I like to spend time listening to you and any specific needs you might have and will always begin our appointment by learning about you and what is important to you, it is really helpful for the assessment, but I also just love, and find it thought provoking, when hearing about people’s lives and experiences.

If you are interested in booking in a Mental Capacity assessment with Jason fill out our contact form here for a free no obligation quote.