20.01.14
Greater sharing of information to prevent suicide
Key actions for local areas to prevent suicides have been set out in the first annual report on suicide prevention, one year on from the publication of the cross-government strategy for England.
Offering psychological assessments to people who present with self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, can help to prevent suicidal behaviour. Around half of the 4,500 people who die by suicide each year have a history of self-harm.
Hospitals will now publish annual figures on the number of people who attend A&E for self-harm, and it they received the NICE-recommended psychological assessment.
A new agreement between government and healthcare professionals will also promote greater sharing of information, which could help to prevent suicide. This includes listening to the views of family and friends, supporting people who may want to share information with their families, and provide advice to families and carers about the support services available.
Care and support minister Norman Lamb said: “We have heard from families bereaved by suicide that they feel there is sometimes more they felt they could do. Health professionals can be understandably worried about whether to share information – this will make sure they can be confident listening and talking to families to make sure patients get the right support. We want to reduce suicides by ensuring those most at risk are better supported.”
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary of the RCN said: “Working to help people at risk of suicide is a huge and profound challenge, and this strategy aims to ensure those most at risk receive the appropriate care. The key actions outlined in this report aim to encourage greater sharing of information with health professionals and families and friends and provide better support within the health system.
“What we need to ensure to make this work is that we have enough staff working, with the right level of training, to give the intensive support needed. Our members have identified concerns, for some time, that many patients are unable to access crisis services due to recent changes in the level of provision, leaving many unsupported at their most vulnerable moments. This needs to urgently change.”
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