The impact of increasing general hospital admissions on Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.

An increasing proportion of patients seen by CLP have 'acute' problems. Patients with somatisation and depression are seen less frequently. These findings indicate that CLP services need to provide timely assessment and work closely with other elements of the local mental health service in order to optimise patient flow and ensure continuity of care. Local strategies may be required to ensure an adequate breadth of experience for trainees.