Dozens denied help take their life each year

Dozens of people die by suicide every year despite seeking help because they are sent home early from facilities or are turned away by doctors.

The claim has been made by a leading medical group, the Psychiatric Nurses Association, which has warned the issue is being ignored because people who die after seeking help are not counted separately to other suicides.

At the union’s annual delegate conference yesterday, PNA general secretary Des Kavanagh called for an “urgent” review of the issue by minister of sate with responsibility for mental health Kathleen Lynch.