Consultant Psychiatrist - NMHCAS and NMUH Liaison Service

Job overview

Following retirement and creation of a new service, these two consultant posts provide senior clinical leadership across both the Mental Health Liaison Service at North Middlesex University Hospital (NMUH) and the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS North) at Chase Farm Hospital. The postholders will deliver high‑quality emergency and acute psychiatric assessment, senior decision‑making, Mental Health Act (MHA) assessments, and multidisciplinary leadership across linked urgent care pathways for adults of all ages. The roles integrate ED liaison, ED diversion and crisis assessment, with close collaboration across NLFT urgent care services (Liaison, MHCAS and HBPOS).

Primary bases: •     North Middlesex University Hospital, Sterling Way, London N18 1QX – Mental Health Liaison Service (including Horizon: ED 5‑bedded psychiatric assessment area). •     Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS North), Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield EN2 8JL – mental health “A&E” hub for crisis assessment and ED diversion.

Main duties of the job

• Provide senior clinical leadership across Liaison and MHCAS, ensuring safe, compassionate, efficient care. •    Participate in daily MDT discussions, handovers, case allocation and provide senior reviews for complex presentations. •    Undertake MHA assessments (including Section 136) and act as Section 12(2) approved clinician and Responsible Clinician as required. •    Promote high‑quality record keeping and effective communication across acute and mental health partners. •    Contribute to Trust undergraduate/postgraduate teaching; provide case‑based supervision and day‑to‑day guidance to trainees and MDT members.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Liaison Psychiatry (NMUH) – Specific Duties •    Rapid assessment and management of ED and ward referrals, including complex comorbidity and risk. •    Senior decision‑making to support safe discharge planning and patient flow, including Horizon unit oversight. •    Consultation and advice to acute medical/surgical teams and participation in relevant MDTs. •    Cross‑cover with consultant colleagues for clinical continuity and leave cover.

MHCAS North – Specific Duties •    Scheduled senior reviews, triage guidance and leadership of MHA assessments within the assessment‑led model. •    Close interface with ED liaison teams to determine the most appropriate assessment location and maintain flow. •    Provide oversight and guidance on triage and liaison with LAS/Police and other services as needed. •    Average direct patient contacts: approximately 15–20 per week, depending on complexity and prior team assessments.