Abstract
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Introduction: There is a clear association of physical/
psychiatric co-morbidity with increased mortality and
morbidity among elderly. Cost effective benefits of C–L
Psychiatry to the community and institution is well known
as type and severity of problems precipitating inpatient
care have changed, with increasingly frail and medically
complex patients becoming today’s norm.
Objectives: We report a SMHOP Liaison service model
developed specifically to cater the demands of unique challenges
faced by the regional area. In particular, in a newly
established specialist Mental Health unit for older persons
in Illawarra this model aims to support the public inpatients
of a general hospital
Findings and conclusions: Effective psycho geriatric
Liaison services model require an integrated range of
hospital and community-based staff and resources which
should be utilised in a style acceptable to the user, geriatricians,
staff and other professionals. Challenges include a
willingness to be resourceful in providing services. It is
much more likely that effective integrated psycho geriatric –
liaison services model will become a reality if these challenges
are met. By working together as an interdisciplinary
team including geriatricians these challenges can be converted
into opportunities that answer our regional workforce
shortages.