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A&E Crisis Liaison Service

A&E Mental Health Link Workers based at Lister Hospital A&E Department

We have MH Link Workers based at the Lister Hospital in the A&E Department to enhance the MH crisis pathway for adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

The workers support individuals aged 18+ and provide:

  • Emotional and practical support.
  • Information and advice.
  • Listening and 1:1 support.
  • Support to develop an action plan where appropriate.
  • Signposting and support to access other agencies and services, to address the wider challenges contributing to their crisis.  This may include for example, information about benefits, third sector support groups, housing advice, drug &/or alcohol support, employment support services etc.
  • Onward referral to other MiMH’s, Herts Mind Network (HMN), and other voluntary sector daytime provision, tailored to the needs of the individual.
  • Onward referral and supported access to HMN regional NightLight Crisis Service where appropriate. This would include facilitated access to their Crisis Café’s and the overnight beds at HMN Crisis Centre in Hemel where appropriate (depending on capacity and opening hours).
  • 1:1 emotional support to enable individuals in crisis to engage positively with medical staff within the hospital setting where needed (including where an individual has self-harmed).
  • Follow up to ensure engagement in further support and referrals and to track individuals to prevent further crisis and presentations at A&E
  • Monitoring and evaluation

Referral Process

The A&E Reception staff, RAID team and other hospital staff will refer/direct individuals to the A&E MH Link Workers.

The A&E MH Link Workers work 5pm to 1am working in partnership with Herts Mind Network (HMN) NightLight Crisis Cafes.  The NightLight service offers a safe haven for individuals in crisis who want some ‘time out’ or would like to talk through the issues that they are experiencing with someone who will listen, but not make judgements, as well as the option of an overnight or long weekend stay.

Key Outcomes of Project

 Improved mental health outcomes for people attending A&E

  • Reduced time spent in Emergency Department
  • Improved patient experience
  • Improved awareness of crisis alternatives and VCSE and Community Resources.
  • Reduce unneeded repeat attendances at A&E.
  • Reduced attendances for non-medical reasons