Health Early Action PractitionerNHS

Job summary

An exciting position has arose as a Hospital Alcohol Liaison Specialist Nurse as part of The Health Early Action Team at the RLI. The team operates both a nurse liaison service and a case management model tocoordinate and plan care for some of the most vulnerable patients who have alcohol/substance misuse and homelessness issues, attending our hospital's. You will workclosely with inpatient teams, community care co-ordinators, integrated care communities, other healthcareprofessionals and 3rd sector organisations to manage patients health and wellbeing, making sure that appropriate support is made available to them and their careers and also ensuring that their changing needs are addressed and facilitating health behaviour change, acting as a part of the wider multiagency team using a better care together approach.

Main duties of the job

Act as a Liaison Nurse, demonstrating a high level of practice and knowledge whilst participating indirect evidenced based patient care. He/she will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working within avariety of specialities providing professional and clinical support to these patients, and staff involved.Act as an Complex Case Manager, demonstrating a high level of practice and knowledge whilstparticipating in case reviews, muti-disciplinary meetings and formulating care management plans.

Be part of a multi-agency team working within a variety of specialities providing professional and clinical support to both these patients and the wider health economy.Undertake health assessments; diagnosing, support treatment plans and pathways support timely discharging of patients with a range of conditions and engage patients in community based follow-up,support and/or treatment plans.The Health Early Action Practitioner will provide expert care and treatment to patients within agreed protocols and clinical guidelines.Provide support within the team and act as role model and resource, encouraging and developing a high standard of clinical skill and improving patient outcomes.Functions in a variety of role dimensions: health care provider, educator, researcher, clinical advocate and implementer of clinical governance.Support the development of clinical services within the Health Early Action Team and improve the quality of care delivered.

Job description

1. Clinical assessment & care

• Undertake comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments of patients presenting with substance misuse issues.
• Screen patients using recognised tool AUDIT C & SADQ to identify harmful or dependent drinking.
• Deliver brief interventions, motivational interviewing and psychosocial support.
• Develop and implement individualised care plans
• Ensure alcohol withdrawal and substance misuse pathways are kept up to date and implement and support the use in a hospital setting.

2. Patient support & advocacy

• Build therapeutic relationships with patients and families.Providing advice, education and support regarding substance use and treatment options.
• Acting as a patient advocate for some of the most vulnerable in society and ensuring personcentred care.
• Support discharge planning and reduce readmissions.

3. Liaison & coordination

• Act as a link between hospital multidisciplinary teams (ED, wards, mental health & social care) and a variety of community services.
• Refer and signpost patients to appropriate treatment services.
• Be part of numerous MDT meetings to monitor patient progress across services to ensure continuity of care.

4. Education & leadership

• Provide expert advice to hospital staff on substance misuse.
• Promote screening and early identification of alcohol issues.
• Contribute to service development, policies, and quality improvement.
• Provide training for hospital staff relevant to role and Nursing, mental Health and Medical students

5. Risk management & safeguarding

• Assess and manage risks (e.g. withdrawal, selfharm, safeguarding concerns), referring to relevant agencies.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and professional standards of the Trust
• Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation.

6. Skills & Experience

• Registered Nurse (RGN or RMN) with NMC registration
• Experience in substance misuse, mental health, or acute care
• Knowledge of alcoholrelated physical and mental health issues
• Skills in:
• Motivational interviewing
• Risk assessment
• Multidisciplinary working
• Strong communication and ability to manage complex or distressed patients

About us

We work from three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.

FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.

WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.

All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies,daycase and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

Our Community Service for adults are provided in people's homes ,community centres, clinics, GP Practices, community hospitals. Our aim is to work with people to help them remain independent , improve their health and manage their conditions through high quality care , advice and support.