General Hospital Psychiatry
Volume 28, Issue 5 , Pages 437-439, September 2006

A survey of psychiatric liaison services for older adults in the eastern region of the United Kingdom

  • Claire Dibben, M.R.C.Psych.

      Affiliations

    • Wedgwood Unit, West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds IP33 2QZ, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.
    • ,
  • Christopher O'Loughlin, B.Med.Sci., M.R.C.P., M.R.C.Psych

      Affiliations

    • Older People's Mental Health Services, Box 311, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge CB1 5EF, UK
    • ,
  • Deborah Girling, M.R.C.Psych.

      Affiliations

    • Older People's Mental Health Services, Box 311, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge CB1 5EF, UK
    • ,
  • Andrew Tarbuck, M.R.C.Psych.

      Affiliations

    • St Andrews Lodge, Julian Hospital, Norwich NR2 3TD, UK

Received 27 April 2006; accepted 7 July 2006.

Abstract 

Aims and Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the provision of liaison services for older adults in the Eastern Region of the UK. We surveyed all the acute general hospitals for current service and problems encountered in delivering and developing these services.

Results

The survey had a 100% response. Sixty-two percent did not have a dedicated liaison service. The predominant model of service delivery was nurse led. The majority of the services had evolved over the last 2 years and had time limited funding only. In two hospitals the service had ceased due to lack of continuing funding.

Clinical Implications

The survey has highlighted liaison services for older people and show that they remain a neglected area. This survey provides information that will be useful to commissioners and providers who are developing liaison psychiatry services for older people.

Keywords: Liaison psychiatry, Mental health services, Old age

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0163-8343(06)00126-5

doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2006.07.002

General Hospital Psychiatry
Volume 28, Issue 5 , Pages 437-439, September 2006

Article Tools