HC Deb 31 October 2002 vol 391 cc939-40W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) by what means the National Institute for Mental Health in England will identify suicide hotspots; and who will have responsiblity to take action in respect of them; [78000]

(2) what action he plans to take in respect of locations at which suicide is frequently committed. [78049]

Jacqui Smith

The National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) will be working with a number of local agencies to develop guidance on identifying and taking appropriate action at suicide hotspots. This will involve close partnership working with a number of local agencies including police and emergency services, local authorities, the national health service and voluntary sector, railway authorities and coroners. Specific intervention and prevention measures will depend on the nature and location of each hotspot identified.

Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is carrying out the suicide and open verdict on the railways report; and when it is expected to be published. [78048]

Jacqui Smith

The suicide and open verdict on the railway network (SOVRN) project is a three-year study. SOVRN is co-sponsored by railway safety and the national health service, managed through Doncaster and South Humber Healthcare NHS Trust, and in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, Community Health Sheffield NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham. The report is due to be published in December 2002.

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