§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will identify the cost-effective NHS interventions intended to contribute to the targeted reduction in suicide rates.
§ Mr. YeoThere are a number of measures which national health service and social services staff can take to help meet the suicide targets. These include the establishment of multi-disciplinary audit meetings in relation to suicides, the implementation of observation policies in all units for those patients who need them and the regular training of teams in the assessment and management of suicidal risk and in the latest treatment techniques for those at risk.
Information on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions is contained in "The Health of the Nation" mental illness key area handbook which has been distributed to both NHS and social services managers. A copy has been placed in the Library.