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Liaison psychiatry [1]

Liaison psychiatry is a sub-specialty of general psychiatry. Liaison psychiatrists provide psychiatric care to medical patients. These include those attending emergency departments, general hospital in and out patients, and increasingly patients being seen in community and primary care [2] medical services.

Training and qualifications required

Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine and two years of foundation training. You'll then do three years of core training (CT1–3), followed by three years of specialist training (ST4-6). This period of training will include completing your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.

Expected working hours and salary range

Working hours should not exceed 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings and weekends. On call likely. Pay scales (2017): Consultants earn between £76,761 and £103,490.

Desirable skills and values

You'll need empathy and compassion, excellent listening skills and a calm personality. Emotional resilience and initiative to work in challenging situations are also important. You'll also need excellent communication and team working skills along with good problem-solving and decision-making skills using logical/lateral thinking.

Prospects

There is currently no information available about numbers sub-specialising in liaison psychiatry.