Minister Mary Butler Launches National Model of Care for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

Today, Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, officially launched Ireland’s first national Model of Care for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP), a critical role in supporting people who present with both physical and mental health needs, helping to ensure they receive timely and appropriate care. Liaison Psychiatry, also known as consultation-liaison psychiatry, provides specialist mental health input in emergency departments and general hospital wards.

The Model of Care marks a major milestone in the delivery of integrated mental health services within acute hospital settings and was developed through a collaboration between the HSE, including the Emergency Medicine Programme, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, and its Faculty of Liaison Psychiatry.

This model delivers on Recommendation 60 of Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, which calls for the continued development of liaison mental health services for all age groups, guided by an integrated, evidence-informed approach.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Butler said; “This Model of Care is an important milestone in our national Mental Health reform journey. It ensures people who need mental health support while in hospital are treated with the same urgency, dignity and clinical excellence as those presenting with physical illness. It is a practical and meaningful expression of the health service’s commitment to integrated person-centred care in line with the goals of our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision.”

The model sets out a consistent approach to the design, structure, and delivery of CLP services across Model 3 and Model 4 hospitals. It provides clear guidance on multidisciplinary team working, service integration, clinical governance, infrastructure, and alignment with wider models of care — including perinatal mental health, psycho-oncology, and self-harm.

The launch was welcomed by representatives from the HSE, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, and the Faculty of Liaison Psychiatry.

Dr Amir Niazi, HSE National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Mental Health added; “This model brings clarity, consistency, and clinical excellence to an area of care that is often delivered under significant pressure. It will guide the development of high-quality services that respond to local needs, while strengthening the integration between hospital and community mental health care.”

The model is based on national and international best practice and informed by a comprehensive national mapping exercise—the first of its kind in Ireland—which identified significant variation in service provision and highlighted the need for a standardised national framework.

This launch marks a meaningful step forward in how Ireland supports mental health in our hospitals. Behind every element of this model is a commitment to treating people with compassion, dignity, and respect—wherever and however they access care.

Dr Lorcan Martin, President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland said; “We are proud to support the launch of this model, which reflects strong clinical leadership and a commitment to improving mental health care in hospital settings. It will provide a clear and practical framework for teams working in this critical area.”

Professor Anne Doherty, from the Faculty of Liaison Psychiatry added; “The development of this model has been grounded in the experience of clinicians working on the front line, and the challenges patients need support with every day. It acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities of delivering mental health care in hospital settings, and provides a roadmap for services to evolve and improve in a coordinated way.”

This work also recognises the real challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with mental health issues, and the dedication of the clinicians who support them every day. Today’s launch reflects a shared ambition to do better, to deliver services that are responsive and respectful, and to ensure no one is left behind in their moment of need.

The Model of Care is now available and will guide the continued development of liaison psychiatry services nationwide. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, clinical leadership, and policy that puts people first.