Early Psycho-Social Assessment of Overdose Patients in a Casualty Department

In response to the very large number of patients presenting at the Casualty Department of the Alfred Hospital, Melboure following suicidal acts, a Psycho-Social Assessment Clinic was established in 1970. This communication outlines the structure and functions of the Clinic, describes 100 consecutive new patients seen over a four month period in 1974 and emphasizes the benefits to both patients and hospital arising from the operation of such a clinic.