Mental Health Liaison Nurse

St Thomas' Hospital is a major London teaching hospital within Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners. The Crisis Assessment Unit (CAU) is a dedicated, therapeutic space within the Emergency Department for people experiencing an acute mental health crisis. It forms a key part of the hospital's emergency pathway and works closely with the Core 24 Mental Health Liaison Team.

Within CAU, Mental Health Liaison Nurses complete specialist biopsychosocial assessments, develop person-centred risk management and care plans, and work collaboratively with ED staff, acute medical teams and partner agencies to ensure safe, timely and effective patient care. The role includes coordinating patient flow through the mental health pathway and acting as nurse in charge, ensuring the safe running of the unit and maintaining high clinical standards.

The post holder will support holistic care planning with patients, families and carers; advocate for mental health across the hospital; and provide timely advice to colleagues managing complex presentations. Strong knowledge of the mental-physical health interface and experience supporting individuals affected by substance or alcohol misuse are essential.

Mental Health Liaison Nurses working within CAU play a central role in the assessment, care and flow of patients presenting to the acute hospital with mental health needs. The post holder will:

Deliver specialist biopsychosocial assessments for adults in crisis, developing robust, personcentred formulations and evidencebased risk management and care plans.

Lead and coordinate the clinical activity within CAU, acting as the nurse in charge on shift. This includes ensuring safe daytoday operation of the unit, overseeing patient flow, and maintaining adherence to quality and safety standards.

Support efficient patient movement through the emergency pathway, working closely with acute hospital colleagues to prevent delays, avoid unnecessary admissions, and ensure mental health presentations are managed in a timely and clinically appropriate manner.

Work collaboratively with ED teams, medical wards, partner agencies and community services to develop holistic plans of care alongside patients, their families, carers, or friendsensuring continuity, safety and a positive patient experience.

Advocate for mental health within the acute hospital, providing clinical advice, education and support to colleagues caring for patients with complex mental, physical, and social needs.

South London & Maudsley are committed to ensuring our staff get the most out of their benefits package and understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. There is an extensive range of excellent benefits for you and your family. We want you to feel like you are part of a close knit team at SLaM. It's important to us that you valued and appreciated and that's why we have a comprehensive benefits package on offer.

Other benefits include

We look forward to receiving your application.

Education and Qualification

Essential: - Registered Mental Health Nurse and/or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse; - Practice assessor and/or leadership qualifications

Desirable: - Master's Degree or Post-Graduate study in relevant field

Knowledge and Experience

Skills