
Psychiatric in-patient care in England: as safe as it can be?
Hunt et al (2024)
In our third study of in-patient suicide rates in England, we examined trends in suicide rates among in-patients who died between 2009 and 2020. We also aimed to determine if characteristics of in-patients who died by suicide had changed over time.
We found the rate of in-patient suicide per 100,000 bed days had fallen by over 40% between 2009-2011 and 2018-2020. However, in the last five years of the study the rate had no longer fallen and rates remained static. Rates fell in men and those aged 30-59 but we found no falls among women, younger and older age groups, and those with affective disorder. Over the study period, more in-patients were aged under 25, were on authorised leave, and had psychiatric comorbidity.
We recommend that renewed preventative efforts are needed, including a greater focus on women, younger and older patients, and those with affective disorder. Careful reviews are needed prior to granting leave to ensure a safe transition into the community.
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