Mental health is a significant factor in providing effective nursing care for patients in hospital and residential settings. Non-mental health nursing staff often lack the confidence, knowledge and skills to effectively meet the mental health needs of patients who are experiencing psychiatric problems and psychological distress. Mental Health Care for Nurses: Applying mental health skills in the general hospital provides a step-by-step guide which will help nurses identify these needs and address them in practice.

The first part of Mental Health Care for Nurses: Applying mental health skills in the general hospital explores the context of mental health care in hospital and residential settings and provides a practical framework for assessment, planning and delivery of mental health care. The second part explores specific topics such as self-harm and suicide prevention, caring for the patient displaying challenging behaviour, maternal and perinatal mental health problems, mental health problems associated with old age, mood disorders, and illicit drug and alcohol dependence.

Anthony Harrison is Consultant Nurse in Liaison Psychiatry and Visiting Fellow, University of the West of England, Bristol. Chris Hart is Nurse Consultant in Liaison Psychiatry and Principle Lecturer, Kingston. The contributors are all consultant nurses in liaison psychiatry.