I Often Have Worrying Symptoms That Must Be the Sign of Something Serious

Newcastle Psychiatric Liaison Service

Information for referrers

Who are we?

A small team of doctors and nurses specialised in the assessment and treatment of adults with mental health needs in the general hospital, covering Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Freeman and Cherryburn at Centre for Ageing and Vitality.

What can we offer?

Assessment and management advice for any mental health condition, including:

Self-harm

Depression

Dementia/cognitive impairment

Delirium

Anxiety

Psychosis

Acute behavioural disturbance

Drug & Alcohol problems

Functional/medically unexplained symptoms

What do we do?

We can provide medication advice, psychosocial interventions, psychoeducation, onward signposting and referral to other services as well as supporting ward teams in the management of patients with comorbid mental disorder and provide support regarding complex decisions around mental capacity.

We will endeavour to respond within 1 hour for EMERGENCY referrals (significant, imminent risk to self or others).

Same working day for URGENT referrals (risk does not require immediate mental health involvement).

Two working days for ROUTINE referrals (mental health assessment needed but no significant risk to self or others, not medically fit for discharge).

We can also offer bespoke training and education for wards and groups of clinicians – just ask!

How to refer:

We are based at the Richardson Unit, Leazes Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary,

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP.

To refer, please complete a referral form and fax to: 0191 2824839.

If an emergency response is required please telephone 0191 2824842.

Working hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Contact details

Newcastle Psychiatric Liaison Team

Richardson Unit

Leazes Wing

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4LP

Tel: 0191 282 4842

Fax: 0191 2824839

Email: or

Website:

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (e.g. Braille, audio, large print, BSL, easy read or other languages).

Published by the Marketing Department 2017 Copyright,

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Switchboard Tel:08448115522

Review Date: November 2018

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