Suicide

Action Planned (AI summary) NHS England detailed updates to overdose guidance, implemented in November 2023, to include callers who reach a Category 5 disposition. Additionally, TOXBASE is to be viewed for each overdose/accidental ingestion incident, and the initial clinical review should consider any ongoing suicidal ideation with a specific plan/means. Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust stated that care plans and risk assessments are individualised and updated, with monthly audits to ensure compliance. They have also invested in additional self-harm and suicide prevention training and additional training commenced to support staff and suicide awareness. Ofcom acknowledges the concerns and outlines its plans to implement the Online Safety Act, including consulting on draft codes of practice and taking enforcement action against non-compliant services regarding harmful suicide content. The Department of Health and Social Care references actions taken to address harmful online content such as the Online Safety Act and states that the multi-sector and cross-government suicide prevention strategy for England was published in September 2023.

Action Planned (AI summary) NHS England is working to address issues with timely access to mental health beds for prisoners, focusing on increasing access to hospital beds pre-sentence, and is working to support local mental health systems to reduce pressure on inpatient services. All reports received are discussed by the Regulation 28 Working Group, comprising Regional Medical Directors, and other clinical and quality colleagues from across the regions.

Action Planned (AI summary) The Barnsley IHBTT will share the coroner's concerns with practitioners, emphasizing the importance of referring to the resource pack for mental health support services. When a referral to BSARC is declined, the service will reconsider the suitability of advice given and review treatment plans.

Action Planned (AI summary) The National Crime Agency (NCA) is engaging with Ofcom to combat illegal suicide content online under the Online Safety Act. It also mentions the HMG Drugs Strategy, the Suicide Prevention Strategy and the Criminal Justice Bill, as well as the Department of Health and Social Care's work with Samaritans on the delivery of their online excellence programme. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology outlines how the Online Safety Act will require tech companies to take responsibility for user safety and remove illegal content, including suicide and self-harm content. It details the duties of user-to-user services and search services, as well as enforcement powers for Ofcom. The Department of Health and Social Care is reviewing actions to reduce harm from suicide-related publications and collaborating with government departments, charities, and experts. They lead a cross-sector working group and support the Samaritan’s Online Excellence Programme.

Action Planned (AI summary) The Trust is working with other acute NHS Trusts within Surrey as part of the Surrey Heartlands Mind & Body Programme. A mental health skills module for nurses working at Frimley began last year, and there is space for 30 students for the next cohort starting in March 2024. Frimley Health has updated Emergency Department Triage processes, introduced a Mental Health Assessment form, and developed a Mental Health Strategy Group. They also hold monthly meetings with Psychiatric Liaison services and Surrey Police to discuss practical points and evolving issues.

Action Planned (AI summary) Following an inter-agency review, the trust is implementing actions including refresher training, improving the ACCT procedure, updating risk assessment documentation, and reviewing procedures for transferring prisoners to establishments with hospital wings. Various completion timescales are provided, ranging to September 2024. The trust states that the coroner's concerns have informed the development of a Health in Justice Suicide Prevention Plan, including a multi-agency Suicide Prevention Forum, and will share the results of an inter-agency review with staff and partners. Completion is expected by September 2024. HMPPS will present an operational briefing to staff on responsibility for ACCT checks. They have updated Case Co-ordinator processes, and are sharing QA with managers, and meeting with partner agencies to relay responsibilities.