To receive a presentation on the Suicide Audit.(20 mins)
Minutes:
Helene Dyson, Public Health Service Manager provided a presentation on the Suicide Audit.
During the discussion of this item the following points were made:
· A pan Berkshire audit had been carried out by Public Health staff from across Berkshire. The audit had looked at the inquest reports for those reported to have committed suicide in Berkshire 2012-14. Not all information for 2014 had been captured as the files for deaths at the end of the year had not been worked up by the time of the audit. Access had been granted by formal agreement of the coroner.
· Nationally there had been 4,513 suicides in 2012 which equated to 8.0 per 100,000 covering the period 2010-2012. Suicide was more common in males. The number and rates of suicide and undetermined deaths varied between age groups; the highest being those aged 35-54 for males and for females 40-59. Hanging, strangulation and suffocation accounted for the largest number of suicides in males (60%) whilst hanging and drug related poisoning were the joint most frequent cause of death for females (38%). There had been a correlation in the number of suicides and the economic downturn.
· In Berkshire 120 deaths had been covered by the audit, 70% of which had been classified as suicide and 30% undetermined/open verdicts.
· As per the national picture, males had a higher suicide rate compared to females in Berkshire during 2012-14. 70% of the deaths recorded in that time were those aged 30-59. The audit had not looked at those aged under 16. The majority of deaths recorded were from a White British heritage which reflected the make-up of Berkshire.
· The data showed a relatively even spread across the whole week, with no particularly ‘common’ day.
· Throughout the audit period there had been more deaths from single people.
· 13% of those living in England and Wales lived alone. Data from the audit indicated that those living alone in Berkshire were over-represented in suicide deaths, accounting for 34% of suicide/open verdict deaths in 2012-14 in Berkshire.
· During 2012-14, 36% of those who had died by suicide or as result of an unexplained death in Berkshire had been in full time employment (from 55% 2009-11) whilst 38% had been unemployed. 52% of those recorded in 2009-11 had been owner/occupier in relation to their housing status.
· The majority of deaths identified in the audit had taken place in the person’s home or that of another. The proportion had increased and was 71% in 2012-14.
· Information regarding alcohol and drug involvement was provided.
· Personal and social factors included relationship problems, financial problems and depression, amongst others. It was noted that physical health as a factor had increased from 5% in 2009-11 to 33% in 2012-14.
· Members were informed that Wokingham had a higher number of those diagnosed with mild depression.
· Three areas to work on were;
o Prevention of the suicide;
o Quick access for those who witness a suicide and attempted suicide;
o Support for those who are bereaved through suicide
· Further investigation of physical ill health and at what point the person had committed suicide; point of diagnosis, following a change in systems or at end of life stage, was required.
· Many people did not leave suicide notes.
· In response to a question regarding campaigns to raise awareness, the Committee was informed of the work of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which sought to prevent suicide in men. Younger males had the highest rate of suicides. Investment was required but funding had not been allocated at present.
· In response to a question regarding the number of attempted suicides and those who had committed suicide having previously attempted suicide, Members were informed that this data had not been captured.
· The Committee requested that an update be provided at a future meeting.
RESOLVED That the presentation on the suicide audit be noted and that an update be provided at a future meeting.