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All UK hospitals ‘must have liaison psychiatry services’

Every hospital in the UK must have a dedicated liaison psychiatry service, according to a new report from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. The report, No Health Without Mental Health, warns that the current lack of provision means the mental health problems of many hospital patients are going unrecognised and untreated – causing them unnecessary suffering.

The report, No Health Without Mental Health, warns that the current lack of provision means the mental health problems of many hospital patients are going unrecognised and untreated – causing them unnecessary suffering.

Figures show that one in four people who attend hospital for physical health needs will have a mental health problem. For patients over the age of 65 these figures are even higher, with 60% requiring mental health care during their hospital stay.

At present however, around 40% of hospitals have no access to liaison psychiatry services.

Adequate liaison psychiatry services are multi-professional teams made up of nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. Liaison professionals are specially trained to bridge the gap between psychiatry and medicine by diagnosing mental illness, arranging appropriate psychological treatment, and providing expert advice and support to medical colleagues. Liaison psychiatry teams have been shown to improve outcomes, reduce patient suffering and make significant financial savings to Primary Care Trusts.

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