Mental Health Liaison Service
The Mental Health Liaison Service (MHLS) work in acute care hospitals in Lincolnshire. The team provide people who may be accessing support for their physical healthcare issues in hospital, access to psychiatric services.
They are based at all three of United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospital Trust sites, including:
The team undertake specialist psychiatry assessment and provide continuing care to patients with an existing mental health need. The team strives to maximise the mental wellbeing of patients.
Our liaison practitioners signposts people to other mental health services and support networks and have direct links to all other LPFT services. The service plays a key role in discharge planning and provides support for a smooth transition to community services.
The team comprises of:
- Psychiatrists
- Mental health nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Administrative staff
Aims of the Mental Health Liaison Service
The MHLS work closely with all acute hospital departments from Emergency Departments to inpatient wards. The primary aims and objectives of the service is to promote a range of positive outcomes by providing:
- Rapid access to specialist mental health assessment to avoid hospital admission where possible
- Access to specialist mental health assessment and treatment in the acute physical health care settings and identification of mental health needs
- Pro-active case finding to assist in the identification and management of mental health and dementia related needs
- Effective mental health support in Emergency Departments, Medical Emergency Admissions Unit (MEAU) and Acute Care Hospital Inpatient Wards
- To improve the quality of mental health care for in these environments and reduce length of stay
- Liaision between community services to support peoples mental health
- A holistic approach to facilitate the continuing care of people into a safe community setting.
- Train and supervise acute hospital staff in the recognition and management of common mental health presentations. These include depression and anxiety, self-harm, substance misuse, personality and eating disorders, psychosis, delirium and dementia.
- Support hospital staff with advice and guidance in respect of the safe operation of the mental health act and complex capacity assessments.
- Rapid access to specialist mental health assessment to avoid hospital admission where possible.
- To identify and manage mental health and dementia-related needs.
- Effective mental health support in emergency departments, Medical Emergency Admissions Unit (MEAU) and acute care hospital inpatient wards.
- To improve the quality of care for patients with mental health needs and reduce the length of stay.
- Liaise with a range of community services.
- To promote a holistic approach to facilitate the care of people into a safe community setting.
- Train and supervise acute hospital staff in the recognition and understanding of mental health presentations.
- Direct referral pathway to memory and assessment services.
- Support and facilitate referral/signposting to other specialist mental health services.
Useful Information:
Our liaison services operate seven-days a week
Lincoln County Hospital operate a 24hour service.
Boston Pilgrim Hospital operate a 24hour services
Grantham and District Hospital operate between 9:00am and 5:00pm
