Self-harm registry pilot launched by Ministers

The potential for North South co-operation on a range of health issues was discussed today by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and Republic of Ireland Ministers Mary Harney and Jimmy Devins.

Suicide prevention, in particular the impact the internet can have on young people in crisis, and the need for a sustained public information campaign to increase awareness of suicide and to promote positive mental health were discussed by Ministers.

During the meeting, both Ministers McGimpsey and Harney announced the launch of a new Deliberate Self-Harm Registry pilot scheme in the Western Health & Social Services Board Area.

Mr McGimpsey said: “The registry pilot will help identify trends of self-harm across the Island, which will help us target our resources more effectively in Northern Ireland. This is just one tangible example of how we can learn from each other in this area.

“Suicide respects no borders, and its devastating effect is felt right across communities on this island. I am therefore determined to learn from, and share best practice with, our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland, and indeed further afield where possible.”

An ongoing North South feasibility study is considering the potential to improve the health and well-being of the population and enhance access to hospital and community services through further cross border co-operation.

The Minister said: “The meeting has identified a range of health issues where it makes sense for the two jurisdictions to co-operate for the benefit of people on the island. Indeed, cross-border co-operation is nothing new. Examples of collaborative approaches currently under way include an initiative to improve access to cancer services for people in Donegal and ongoing work to develop a partnership approach to the care of children with heart disease.

“It is important to build on these links and share best practice and learning so that people on both sides of the border have access to high quality healthcare.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, chairs the Ministerial Co-ordination Group on Suicide Prevention.
2. Between 2000 and 2004 there have been approximately 150 deaths by suicide. In 2006 there were 291 suicides recorded.
3. Over the five year period 2000/01 to 2004/05, the number of admissions to hospital as a result of self-harm had increased by 2.7% from 4,583 to 4,705, although there had been a considerable variation in the pattern of admissions during these years. The average number of admissions to hospital each year in Northern Ireland as a result of self-harm is 280 per 100,000 persons. However, hospital admission statistics are likely to under-estimate the scale of the problem since not all incidents are reported.
4. The National Registry of Deliberate Self-Harm in the Republic of Ireland (previously known as the National Parasuicide Registry) is a system of population monitoring for the occurrence of deliberate self-harm, based on hospital presentations.
5. The pilot project relates to the establishment of a registry of DSH in the Western Health and Social Services Board (WHSSB) of Northern Ireland, which will in turn link with the work of The Irish National Registry of Deliberate Self Harm, which has been in operation in The Republic of Ireland since 2002.
6. The aim of the National Registry of Deliberate Self harm is to define the true extent of the problem of suicidal behaviour by collecting data from hospital accident and emergency departments on specific trends in deliberate self harm. The analysis of this information will inform the development of policies, and shape the implementation of measures aimed at preventing suicide and self-harm.
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