Agenda item

[Neeraj Malhotra, Consultant in Public Health, and Parpinder Singh, Senior Public Health Specialist, to present.]

Neeraj Malhotra, Public Health Consultant presented the report on Suicide Prevention.  An update on the work carried out by the Suicide Prevention Forum was provided and the Board was advised that the last update was submitted two and a half years ago.

In support, Parpinder Singh, Senior Public Health Specialist, delivered a visual presentation providing some background on Wolverhampton statistics compared with national trends and a more in-depth overview on the progress of the Forum.

It was highlighted that 2017 figures showed the lowest rates of death by suicide in the UK since 1981 and, since this date, it was recorded that two thirds of people taking their own life were men around the ages of 45 - 49. It was noted that research suggests more women attempt suicide but do not complete. This could be partly attributed to the fact that women generally use less fatalistic methods such as overdoses, whereas men will use hanging as the most common method.

It was noted that there had been a steady downward trend for suicides in Wolverhampton with some fluctuation and, the gender split locally was very similar to the national figure.

Work being done with Black Country Coroners had provided some useful data with a deeper delve into demographics. Out of 31 cases scrutinised for suicides registered in 2015-16, 77% were found to be males, the youngest being 23.

There had been reported a rise in teenage suicides between 2010 – 2017 which was around 47% nationally. However, suicide amongst children and young people in Wolverhampton is very low.

Linda Sanders queried the prioritisation of adult males as, based on statistics, suicide or self-harm with intent to cause death in 10 to 19-year-olds accounted for 14% of deaths nationally. It was noted that there is a children and young people suicide prevention sub-group established under the main suicide prevention forum. This sub-group will continue with a focus on children and young people. As part of the group’s current focus, data around self-harm will be reviewed, policy and guidance is being developed for schools and the opportunities to raise awareness will continue to be explored.

With regard to General Practitioner (GP) training, following case studies highlighted by THRIVE in which people sought help, in two thirds of cases a family member was approached for help as professionals were thought to be dismissive in some instances. It was considered whether training was the issue or the time restraints put on GPs to keep appointments to a minimum.

It was agreed that it was important to raise awareness of identifying key signs that someone may be at risk of taking their life by suicide, particularly in schools where either bullying or social isolation were often contributing factors, so appropriate action could be taken. It was highlighted that early intervention was vital and Dr Helen Hibbs noted that statistics showed 28% of people had been in contact with mental health services in the year prior to death and it would be interesting to know if they had been in contact with any other services at that time.

In response to Brendan Clifford’s query whether there had been any data analysis by postcode and if individuals in prison were included in the figures, Parpinder advised the Board that a map would be circulated with postcode data provided by the Coroner. It had also been noted that there was a link found to areas of deprivation. A report had been released regarding suicide in prisons. Self-harm in particular is a key concern within prisons. There are varying initiatives that take place within prisons to support individuals, this includes The Samaritans who provide an independent listening and support service.

In respect of the Zero Suicide Alliance’s e-learning package, it was requested that a link be forwarded to elected members on the Board with a view to completing the training and forwarding on to all elected members once approved.

It was suggested by the Chair that a link be made with the local transport and planning departments with a view to designing out means of committing suicide within the transport network.

Resolved:

1.    That the key areas of action be endorsed.

2.    That children and young people be included in the suicide prevention action plan.

3.    That the link to the Zero Suicide Alliance e-learning be forwarded to elected members of Health and Wellbeing Together with a view to cascading to all elected members.

4.    That the Suicide Prevention Forum liaise with planning and transport departments regarding suicide within the transport network.

5.    That a postcode map with suicide statistics be circulated to the Board.