Self-harm patients ‘get poor aftercare’

A HIGH proportion of people who attempt suicide or self-harm in Ireland do not receive psychiatric or other professional assessment afterwards, according to a pilot study.

Based on people turning up at hospital A&E departments, the study showed no evidence of assessment in 28% of attempted drownings or hangings.

An even higher percentage of those who had taken an overdose, 42%, and those who had engaged in self- cutting, 45%, did not receive assessment.