Healthcare Practitioner

The Older People's Mental Health Liaison Service is a multi-disciplinary service for older people currently operating from both the A& E Dept at Airedale General Hospital and Lynfield Mount Hospital. Post holders will have opportunity to support patients in acute Trust ward areas based at Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke's Hospital, Westbourne Green, Westwood Park and Airedale General Hospital. Post holders will be responsible for liaison with relevant professionals, assessment, planning and interventions for older people with mental health needs cared for in a General Hospital setting or transitioning between the DAU and Care Home settings. Post holders will offer advice on the best care of older people with mental health problems to ward teams within the Acute Trust and / or Care Home staff, identify needs and sign post service users for further assessment if required to other services. Post holders will be able to work constructively as part of a team with a flexible approach, linking in with the Consultant Psychiatrist for Acute Liaison, Older People's Community Mental Health Teams, Care Home Liaison and mental health in-patient wards in accordance with the objectives of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and team operational policies. Post holders will promote clinical excellence and utilise skills in developing training within the acute hospital setting. Ensure implementation of all Trust Policies and Procedures as required To act as a resource within acute hospital Trust and care home settings in matters relating to the care and treatment of older people presenting with mental health problems To work co-operatively and actively with clients and carers encouraging participation in care planning and delivery Contribute to the planning, monitoring and control of resources. Application of the Mental Health Act (1983) - Maintain knowledge of and act in accordance with Directorate policies and procedures To take a lead role to ensure that issues of clinical governance, research, audit and good practice are addressed within the service To develop an effective communication network through liaison and collaboration with other disciplines, services and agencies to ensure continuity of patient care We Care - We act with respect and empathy, and always value difference We Deliver - We develop and provide excellent services and support our partners We will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements to enable staff to balance their work and home lives and support staff by offering a fantastic range of benefits including : A wide range of health and wellbeing support packages A range of internal and external development and learning opportunities We are also proud to pledge our support to the Armed Forces and hold a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to participate in training and to identify and implement sustainable quality improvement across all service areas and activities. Whilst reporting to the Acute Liaison Psychiatry Service team leader, post holders will be capable of making clinical decisions affecting the mental health care of clients based on their own assessments. Registered Mental Health Nurse/Occupational therapist/Social workers ~Teaching, training and/or supervision of clinical staff Training and experience Evidence of continued professional development Understand the needs of older people with mental health problems and knowledge of assessing complex issues within an interdisciplinary frame work Experience of working in general and mental health hospital settings Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust