Mental Health Practitioner

DUTIES TO INCLUDE: Exercise autonomous, professional responsibility to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for patients, including assessing patients for suitability for psychological interventions and medical treatment, initiating medication and providing services within agreed protocols. Provide a first point of contact at Abbey House Medical Practice for all patients with predominantly low mood, anxiety, and depression, and give specialist advice and support to practice colleagues in relation to patients with Mental Health issues. Liaise with the patients GP as needed regarding a treatment plan. Liaise with and refer onto other healthcare professionals within primary and secondary Mental Health services, voluntary and public sector agencies, and community support groups as necessary, and encourage patients to engage with self-management of their conditions. Review medication for therapeutic effectiveness appropriate to patient needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice and national and practice protocols. Provide repeat prescriptions where clinically appropriate in line with practice protocols. Carry out annual physical and Mental Health reviews for adults with severe Mental Health illnesses/those on the Mental Health register, providing healthy lifestyle advice. Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background, and preferred ways of communicating. Provide Fit Notes for patients where appropriate. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or patients in treatment, where appropriate. Lead in the production of clinical protocols and pathways related to Mental Health to ensure high levels of care and in accordance with demands of the quality and outcomes framework and other commissioned services for Mental Health. Adhere to quality governance systems, processes across the Practice and its activities; managing data collection to support data requirements/claims; ensuring information governance standards are implemented and maintained. Ensure health and safety requirements are met. Attend training courses identified as essential or beneficial to the role and take responsibility for identifying own learning needs. Ensure all significant events are reported and discussed as appropriate and facilitate a full understanding of clinical governance requirements within the practice. Keep coherent accurate records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols Carry out clinical audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, and help to collate and disseminate the results for feedback. Any other duties as directed by the Managers or Partners.