Liaison Psychiatry

Working in Liaison Psychiatry at GMMH

Liaison Psychiatry at Greater Manchester Mental Health offers Consultants the opportunity to work at the interface between physical and mental health, supporting service users with complex and often acute needs within the general hospital setting. The role is highly varied, with Consultants working with a wide range of presentations and conditions, ensuring that no two days are the same.

Consultants in Liaison Services work in close partnership with medical and surgical colleagues across emergency departments and inpatient wards, as well as with multidisciplinary professionals including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Dietitians and Social Care teams. There is also strong collaboration with psychiatric colleagues across inpatient wards, community mental health teams and home-based treatment services, ensuring continuity of care and smooth transitions between hospital and community settings.

A key focus of Liaison Psychiatry is improving outcomes for patients admitted to general hospitals by supporting timely assessment and treatment, reducing length of stay, preventing avoidable admissions and re-admissions, and improving quality of life. Consultants also play a vital role in shaping how psychiatry is understood and valued within the acute hospital, acting as ambassadors for mental health care and strengthening integration between services.

Liaison services typically support service users presenting to emergency departments and those admitted to general hospitals, with some roles spanning additional sites depending on location. Consultants work with individuals experiencing affective disorders, psychosis, anxiety disorders, cognitive impairment and delirium, often in the context of physical illness. Services support diverse populations across both urban and rural areas, working closely with carers, primary care, social services and voluntary sector organisations.

Opportunities for Consultants

GMMH offers Consultants in Liaison Psychiatry the chance to take on leadership roles in developing and improving service models within both mental health and general hospital settings. There are significant opportunities to contribute to teaching and training, supporting medical students, core and higher trainees, and providing education to general hospital colleagues.

Consultants are encouraged to engage in research and quality improvement activity across a broad range of clinical areas, reflecting the diversity and complexity of liaison psychiatry. There is also scope to influence strategy and commissioning decisions, both for Liaison Services themselves and for wider service development within the acute hospital environment.

Why Join Liaison Psychiatry at GMMH?

Liaison services at GMMH are supported by experienced, well-established multidisciplinary teams with strong clinical governance arrangements. Caseloads are structured to allow Consultants time to deliver high-quality, person-centred care while managing complexity and clinical uncertainty effectively.

Consultants have access to continuing professional development, study leave funding and tailored career development support. Flexible working patterns and part-time arrangements are supported where possible, helping to promote a healthy work–life balance. There is a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, with access to supervision, peer support networks and a culture that values collaboration and mutual support.

Strong links with local inpatient services, community teams and voluntary sector organisations enhance integrated working and continuity of care. Leadership, innovation and service development are actively recognised and encouraged, offering consultants real opportunities to shape how Liaison Psychiatry services continue to evolve locally.

Qualifications and Experience

Consultant posts in liaison psychiatry require CCT (or within six months of completion) in General Adult Psychiatry, Old Age Psychiatry or dual training, with full GMC registration. Section 12(2) Approval and Approved Clinician status are required, or eligibility to obtain them. Applicants should demonstrate experience in liaison psychiatry, the ability to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty, and a strong commitment to multidisciplinary teamworking, leadership and quality improvement.