Suicidal people will be helped ‘within hours’ under new initiative

A NEW initiative aimed at getting help for people with suicidal tendencies before they harm themselves is being launched next week.

The three-year pilot project is aimed at developing a fast-track priority referral system from primary care for people experiencing a suicidal crisis. The Cluain Mhuire Service in Blackrock, Co Dublin, has received funding from the National Office of Suicide Prevention to pay for a crisis assessment nurse who will work with GPs based in the south-east area of Dublin.

The service also plans to have a second rural-based nurse appointed in the near future so that the needs of both rural and urban patients at risk of self-harm can be assessed.