Mental Health Liaison Nurse

Deliver high-quality, evidence-based mental health and risk assessments for individuals presenting with acute mental health needs, including those who have self-harmed or are experiencing psychological distress, across the acute hospitals. Provide timely and effective responses to referrals received from the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Units, and inpatient wards/departments across the acute hospitals, ensuring interventions are delivered within agreed service response times.

Undertake independent comprehensive biopsychosocial and risk assessments, formulating person-centred care and risk management plans for individuals requiring ongoing support from local mental health services. This includes liaison and referral to services such as Talking Therapies, the Primary Care Mental Health Team, the Community Mental Health Team, Early Intervention Services, Home Treatment Teams, and Inpatient mental health services. Work collaboratively with patients, carers, families, and
multidisciplinary professionals across services to ensure coordinated care planning and seamless access to appropriate intervention, including voluntary sector and community-based support agencies. Use advanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills to identify patient needs at the earliest opportunity, minimising duplication of assessments and reducing unnecessary delays in accessing appropriate care and treatment pathways. Maintain accurate, timely, and professional clinical documentation using the Black Country Healthcare electronic patient record system and the relevant acute hospital patient record systems.

Provide specialist advice, support, and education to patients, carers, and acute hospital colleagues regarding the assessment and management of mental health presentations, including the communication of sensitive and complex information in a compassionate and professional manner. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the relationship between physical and mental health,
recognising and responding appropriately to physical symptoms or underlying medical conditions that may influence a patients mental health presentation and overall care needs. Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of Trust-wide Liaison Mental Health Services, promoting safe, effective, and recovery-focused care in line with Trust objectives, NICE guidance, and the national Core 24 model.