Senior Psychiatric Liaison Nurse – Role Overview
As part of a review of our operational strategies and a growing need for highly skilled, experienced and dynamic Mental Health Liaison Nurses, we are pleased to offer the role of Senior Psychiatric Liaison Nurse to work in the acute trust emergency department and inpatient settings. The successful applicant will be part of a multi‑disciplinary team, interfacing between physical and mental health across Croydon University Hospital Emergency Department and inpatient wards. The post holder will work with anyone over the age of 18 presenting with mental health, physical health or social care needs.
We seek dedicated, dynamic and tenacious Senior Psychiatric Liaison Nurses who enjoy rapid assessment, crisis work and working with a diverse range of clinical presentations.
Responsibilities
- Carry out first‑line specialist assessments and crisis risk management plans within the Emergency Department as part of the Mental Health Liaison Team.
- Provide face‑to‑face screening of all referrals to the MHLT at first contact and signpost to primary care where appropriate.
- Act as an independent decision maker, reaching decisions on treatment plans or onward referrals autonomously and ensuring evidence‑based care in line with NICE guidelines.
- Coordinate and triage suitable patients to the Clinical Assessment Unit for reviews, contributing to efficient patient flow in the ED.
- Provide clinical leadership for the shift and be responsible for the performance of the Mental Health Liaison Team during that shift, ensuring the service meets key performance indicators and organisational aims.
- Undertake data collection, analysis and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the team and audit clinical care to maintain a consistent high standard of care.
- Provide specialist screening at the point of referral, senior response to challenging or violent incidents in the Emergency Department and initial response to all Section 136/Code 10 presentations, leading the coordination process.
- Record all contact within the SLaM and Croydon University Hospital electronic information systems.
- Complete risk assessments, make autonomous decisions regarding discharge or onward referral and signpost to primary care or mental health services.
- Oversee patient progress through the Emergency Department, acting as a senior single point of access for staff to make referrals.
- Act as a senior clinician in the MHLT, providing advice, clinical support and senior review where necessary.
- Liaise effectively with services and providers inside and outside the Trust (including CMHTs, Police, Ambulance, Social Services, GPs and hospital staff).
- Participate in teaching and training of Emergency Department and other staff within CUH.
- Apply decision‑making and problem‑solving skills, prioritise workload, manage mental health crises, manage conflict and communicate across a range of services and professionals.
- Maintain confidentiality, ensuring information is shared only with those who need to know.
- Demonstrate high levels of interpersonal skills, self‑awareness, leadership skills and empathy in all communications.
Benefits
- Extensive benefits package supporting work‑life balance.
- Comprehensive benefits for staff and their families.
This advert closes on Monday 11 May 2026.
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