Two-thirds of people referred to self-harm service are in life crisis

TWO-THIRDS of people referred by their GP to a new service to help people with suicidal tendencies before they harm themselves had become overwhelmed by a severe life crisis, it has emerged.

The Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) programme, launched in March 2007 by the Cluain Mhuire Service in Blackrock, Co Dublin, provides a fast-track priority referral system from primary care for people experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Psychiatrist and clinical director of the Cluain Mhuire Service, Dr Siobhán Barry, said improving access to quality mental health services was one of the essential components of the national suicide prevention strategy Reach Out.