Substance Misuse Liaison Nurse

Barts Health NHS Trust; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a registered general or mental health nurse to join the liaison team at Whipps Cross University Hospital as a Substance Misuse Liaison Nurse. The role involves providing treatment and advice for patients with substance misuse issues, working across various settings, and collaborating with community services. The successful candidate will receive support for skills development through formal training and on-the-job learning.

Qualifications

• Must be a registered RGN or RMN.
• Experience with alcohol and drug-related issues preferred.

Responsibilities

• Use screening tools to identify patients at risk of substance misuse.
• Manage alcohol and drug withdrawal, including complex cases.
• Coordinate referrals for ongoing treatment and care.

Skills

Assessment

Screening

Holistic Care

Collaboration

Education

Registered General Nurse (RGN) or Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated registered general nurse (RGN) or registered mental health nurse (RMN) to join the liaison team at Whipps Cross University Hospital as a Substance Misuse Liaison Nurse.

Role Overview

The successful post holder will work across both adult and children’s settings (Emergency Department, wards, and clinics) to provide sound advice and treatment for patients with alcohol and drug-related issues, including complexities and withdrawal management. They will collaborate closely with local authority and community drug and alcohol treatment services to ensure continuity of support.

Training and Development

Through on-the-job training and active encouragement, the post-holder will ensure clinical staff are aware of:

1. Alcohol and drug-related issues
2. The need to systematically screen all patients for misuse
3. The effectiveness of brief interventions
4. The referral pathways for patients requiring specialist support

We will support your skills development with formal and on-the-job training.

Role Responsibilities

The post holder will:

1. Use screening tools to identify patients at increasing, higher risk, or dependent levels of alcohol or substance misuse.
2. Assess and identify those at risk of withdrawal, ensuring appropriate management.
3. Work in emergency, clinics, and wards to advise and treat patients with alcohol and substance issues.
4. Manage alcohol and drug withdrawal, including complex cases, providing guidance and training to staff.
5. Conduct holistic assessments, assess risks, and plan care in partnership with multidisciplinary teams.
6. Coordinate referrals for ongoing treatment and care, including complex case management post-discharge.

About Barts Health

Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, committed to continuous improvement and excellence in patient care. Our vision is to be a high-performing, innovative group of hospitals renowned for safety, quality, and compassionate care. We value our staff and promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.

Contact

For further details or informal visits, contact Ghislaine Stephenson, Think Families Lead Nurse, at [e-mail].