Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Health if statistics are compiled in respect of the number of former psychiatric inpatients who commit suicide shortly after their release from psychiatric care; if he is satisfied with the suicide risk assessment procedures in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16188/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The mental health services report all deaths of patients in Approved Centres. When persons are discharged from an Approved Centre they may continue to avail of a range of community-based mental health services. All sudden, unexplained deaths of persons attending a day hospital or a day centre, or other mental health service (including out-patient departments, resource centres, group homes, out-reach teams and other service types) or living in 24 hour staffed community residences are required to be notified to the Mental Health Commission within 7 days of the death occurring.

In 2010, the Commission was notified of 75 deaths in this category, however, based on the information provided, it was not apparent in all instances that a sudden unexplained death had occurred. The Inspector of Mental Health Services examines all death notifications and in cases suggestive of suicide or violent death requests a review be carried out by the service concerned and a copy of the review is sent to the Inspectorate. These reviews are analysed to identify opportunities for improvement in patient safety, care and treatment and form part of the ongoing dialogue between the Inspectorate and services.

The admission and discharge of service users to and from an acute in-patient unit is a clinical decision by a consultant psychiatrist and follows a clinical assessment which includes a risk assessment for self harm prior to discharge. Service users are offered a follow up service in the community and many will have had an opportunity for home leave to prepare for discharge. Internationally, the first 48 hours post discharge from acute in-patient care is recognised as a time of elevated risk and the mental health services will work with family members and community supports to continually assess and support the individual and to ameliorate the risk. I am satisfied with these procedures.