Suicide

Noted (AI summary) The Metropolitan Police Service will deliver learning to staff and officers highlighting the importance of strict location sharing and compliance with standard operating procedures. Surrey Police reviewed records of calls and concluded that calls were handled correctly and promptly passed to the MPS. They agree with MPS that there was no failure in communication between Surrey Police and MPS.

Noted (AI summary) The Secretary of State acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding the Online Safety Act and its application to potentially harmful content on platforms like Amazon, but states that enforcement is the responsibility of the police and CPS. The response also clarifies the remit of the Ministry of Justice regarding the Suicide Act 1961.

Noted (AI summary) The Royal Pharmaceutical Society explains that the BNF provides a general overview and may not include all information necessary for prescribing, recommending referral to a specialist for bipolar disorder. They will continue to monitor for additional information around the management of bipolar disorder for future updates. BMJ acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding BMJ Best Practice's content on bipolar disorder treatment. They state that the tool is a reference for medical professionals and that content is regularly reviewed and updated, but the decision on treatment remains with the prescribing clinician. They highlight the importance of consulting multiple sources and checking product information sheets for medications. NICE acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding their bipolar disorder guideline (CG185) and its consideration of the two polarities of bipolar disorder in long-term treatment. They will discuss this area with their topic experts and review any new evidence, updating recommendations if necessary.

Noted (AI summary) The University of Reading has already taken several actions, including clarifying SDAT responsibilities, aligning support for MbR students with taught programmes, implementing a notification system for monitoring student engagement, and reinforcing SDAT responsibilities through new guidance. They have also clarified referral pathways for mental health support and ensured assignment with relevant professional codes of conduct. Universities UK acknowledges the coroner's concerns and states they will take the relevant lessons forward into their ongoing work, including national reviews, mental health taskforces, the University Mental Health Charter, and suicide-safer universities guidance. They note they do not have regulatory authority over member institutions.

Noted (AI summary) DWP expresses condolences and explains the policy regarding spare room subsidy, but states they cannot comment on the specifics of the case. They state that the policy is clear and additional support is available through the DHP scheme.

Noted (AI summary) NHS England acknowledges the concerns raised about the link between menopause and mental health decline and highlights existing NICE guidance. They also describe the role of the Regulation 28 Working Group in sharing learnings nationally. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust established a multi-disciplinary task and finish group to create guidance for clinicians on considering menopause/perimenopause during assessments, and plans to share the guidance in the coming weeks. They are also exploring national resources through the Newson Health Menopause Clinic. NICE is currently updating its guideline on menopause: diagnosis and management [NG23] with publication expected on 7 November 2024 and following publication, their surveillance team will assess if any further changes relating to mental health and menopause are needed.