Job overview
1. To work as part of the Trusts Urgent Care services specifically delivering a comprehensive 24/7 Liaison Mental Health Service for the Emergency Department (ED) of the Royal Wolverhampton Trust (RWT) and related hospitals. The service purpose is to support and assess those attending the RWT acute hospitals who are experiencing a range of mental health problems, have self-harmed or actively suicidal or are in mental health crisis
2. Provide time limited liaison follow up when needed for RWT inpatients presenting with more complex and enduring mental health needs and provide a consultative / advisory role to professional colleagues on clinical issues related to mental health needs.
3. To contribute to the ongoing improvement of the Mental Health Liaison Service currently offered in the Emergency Department and on the wards at the acute hospitals.
4. To contribute to the service which will be operating in line with the ‘Core 24’ model and follows guidance from NICE for the assessment of individuals presenting at the acute hospital and the policy implementation guide for Liaison Psychiatry and psychological medicine.
5. To contribute to Mental Health provision and education programmes within the RWT acute hospitals.
Main duties of the job
6. Provide evidence based mental health and risk assessments of individuals presenting with acute mental health issues and/or who have self-harmed and are under the care of New Cross Hospital, West Park Hospital or Cannock Chase Hospital.
7. Respond to referrals from the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, Urgent Care Centre and the wards/departments at the identified Royal Wolverhampton Trust sites within the timescales provided.
8. Undertake a comprehensive biopsychosocial/risk assessment and develop comprehensive care packages for patients who have received a face to face assessment and have been identified as meeting the criteria for support from local mental health services ie. Talking therapies, Community Mental health Teams, Early Intervention or Urgent Care Services including Home Treatment team and Inpatient services.
Working for our organisation
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health, learning disability, and community healthcare services for the population of the Black Country.
Across the whole of the region we provide:
9. Adult and older adult mental health services
10. Specialist learning disability services
11. CAMHS
We currently employ over 3,000 members of staff and just like the population we serve, we are made up of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
12. Provide evidence based mental health and risk assessments of individuals presenting with acute mental health issues and/or who have self-harmed and are under the care of New Cross Hospital, West Park Hospital or Cannock Chase Hospital.
13. Respond to referrals from the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, Urgent Care Centre and the wards/departments at the identified Royal Wolverhampton Trust sites within the timescales provided.
14. Undertake a comprehensive biopsychosocial/risk assessment and develop comprehensive care packages for patients who have received a face to face assessment and have been identified as meeting the criteria for support from local mental health services ie. Healthy Minds, Wellbeing Service, Complex Care, Early Intervention or Urgent Care Services including Home Treatment team and Inpatient services.
15. Ensure referral and access to other services where appropriate e.g. Voluntary sector, community organisations etc. is in accordance with patient’s needs, agreement or best interests.
16. To utilise the full range of mental health assessment skills that reduces the likelihood of an individual being signposted more than once and having duplicate assessments.
17. To record interventions on Black Country Healthcare electronic patient record system. To record clinical information in RWT patient records.
18. Ensure that written communication is relevant, accurate, clear, legible and organised. Agreed trust data sets and risk assessment documentation will be fully completed following each assessment.
19. Provide information, education, support and advice to patients and their family / carers where relevant, this includes communicating complex and/or sensitive information.
20. To provide support and advice to acute trust colleagues providing care to patients with mental health problems.
21. Be skilled in recognising and interpreting abnormal signs/symptoms, including physical symptoms, underlying physical conditions that may impact on mental health needs.
Person specification
Knowledge and experience related to liaison services
Essential criteria
22. Experience of working in Urgent Care services or assessment and intervention services ie Crisis Service, inpatient wards, Liaison as a registered nurse
23. Experience of completing biopsychosocial assessments
24. Ability to risk assess and implement safety plans
25. Ability to prioritise work
26. Evidence of continued professional development
Desirable criteria
27. Previous experience of working in a liaison service