The development of nurse-led suicide prevention training for multidisciplinary staff in a North Wales NHS Trust

There are 300 deaths in Wales each year as a result of suicide. Though the rate in England and Wales has fallen in recent years, it is still the second most common cause of death in men aged 15-44 behind accidental death. The majority of those who die by suicide make contact with health professionals within a relatively short time before their death. For those with mental ill health, relationships with professionals appear particularly important; indeed negative relationships have been cited as a key factor precipitating death by suicide. This paper outlines a suicide awareness programme which aims to restate the values of empathy and relationship building in everyday interaction. It acknowledges risk factors and risk assessment tools, but more than anything strives to demonstrate the value of encouraging personal expression in patients.