Senior Practitioner - Mental Health Liaison

at  North Bristol NHS Trust

To provide a psychosocial assessment and intervention service to people attending with a range of undifferentiated psychiatric illnesses and mental health problems, adhering to relevant national guidelines relating to psychosocial assessment after self harm. To provide a short term intervention service in cases where clinical risk (suicide, self harm, self neglect and risk to others) is present but existing services are unable to provide a timely response. Work with patients to provide a plan of care, risk screen and a risk management plan. To make independent referrals to relevant services across organisational boundaries, including where necessary recommendations for admission to mental health inpatient beds, and referral for assessment under the Mental Health Act.
To liaise professionally with colleagues form Mental Health Services. Contribute to providing a service that meets standards set out in PLAN. To manage risk in clinical situations, in particular risk of further self harm, suicide, self neglect and risk to others, including children. To provide general hospital staff with specialist mental health advice and support to enable them to deal more effectively with mental health problems in the hospital, acting as lead specialist for mental health within the teams remit.
To develop operational procedures and protocols for the service within a research based framework. To maintain and develop professional knowledge and expertise. To maintain effective administration standards and plan and lead clinical audits. To demonstrate innovative research based practice.
To respond to any change in a patients presentation or circumstances and organise appropriate intervention. To respond effectively in situations of crisis to ensure safety of patients, visitors and staff. Such situations could include fire, resuscitation and Major Incidents. To have the ability to direct other staff appropriately in psychiatric emergency situations to ensure they act effectively to minimise/eliminate risk.
Reports accidents/incidents, legal and ethical issues in nursing practice in order to protect self/patients and colleagues. To update on professional issues and developments in order to maintain high standards and provide evidence based nursing practice. To provide and receive Clinical Supervision as required. Managerial To lead and be responsible for the development of clinical and managerial policies and procedures associated with the provision of the Mental Health Liaison Service.
Plan team shift rota in collaboration with whole team. To delegate work appropriately to junior members of staff. Monitor their level of skill and expertise and advise and direct them in order that they act appropriately. Assist with implementation of new developments to ensure their smooth introduction.
Assist in the recruitment of staff as required. Maintain effective communication and collegial relationships within the Emergency Department or referring wards, mental health trusts and non-statutory agencies to facilitate effective functioning of the service. To undertake individual performance reviews as agreed by the Clinical Manager. To promote a culture whereby complaints are managed in an open and constructive manner in line with Trust Policy.
To communicate with relatives, utilising their input (where possible) in any assessment and discharge planning to ensure they are kept informed regarding serious mental illness, drug and alcohol issues and risk management. To be the patients advocate and support them in their need to express their views on their ongoing care. To represent the liaison service at NBT meetings and at meetings with Mental Health Trusts and other agencies. Ensure the promotion of health and safety, well being and interests of patients, staff and visitors that come into contact with the Mental Health Liaison Team.
Contribute to effective ordering of supplies, maintenance and repair of equipment and to assist in budgetary control. Education and Training Actively participate in the identification of own learning and education needs and demonstrate achievement against Appraisal and Development plans. To assist in the practical training of your Band 7 mental health liaison colleagues in the specialist assessment and management of common mental health problems in the older adult population within the emergency department setting, in order to participate in the movement toward an ageless front door service. To plan and deliver a specialist Mental Health education programme to a range of staff groups including nurses, doctors and hospital managers and Mental Health Trust SHOs and other disciplines.
To plan, implement and review education training packages for staff on secondment from other organisations and provide clinical supervision to their practice. Contributes to creating environment where mental health learning and research are encouraged and practised. Participate in the mentoring of a range of students placed with the team. Liaison and Consultation Provide a comprehensive consultation-liaison service to clinical teams, assisting them to formulate appropriate plans of care and make decisions in cases where patients may be exhibiting complex needs and/or challenging behaviours.
Be responsible for participating in specific clinical projects and undertake all the necessary work to complete these, including chairing or facilitating meetings, liaising and/or negotiating with other staff. Participate fully in appropriate quality assurance initiatives, with the emphasis on developing patient/service user-focused services. Promote a positive attitude and encourage a supportive culture in relation to mental health and across the general hospital. Develop effective collaboration with clinical areas within the hospital to provide specialist mental health input.
Audit, Research and Evaluation Demonstrate a commitment to developing audit and evaluations skills. Participate in appropriate audit projects, including data collection, as a means of contributing to the ongoing evaluation and audit of the mental health liaison service. Initiate or participate in R and D projects as appropriate

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