Lithium was identified as a medicine about which acute pharmacy staff felt uncertain and particular attention is given to this for mental health in-reach support. Mental Health In-Reach has been operating at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH) since 2019, with a mental health pharmacist from Cheshire and Wirral NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) supporting the acute hospital pharmacy team one day a week. This session will describe why lithium was selected for special attention and the journey for pharmacy staff and patients as we learnt about managing lithium in the acute hospital setting.

• Ways to provide education and support about lithium prescribing in an acute hospital.
• What the issues are with lithium in the acute care setting.
• What is needed to manage clozapine levels and interactions in the acute hospital.
• How education and pharmacy confidence can lead to safer lithium management.