This study was to determine the attitudes of the staff in an out-patient department & intensive care unit in a general hospital, & that of the staff in a psychiatric hospital, towards patients who attempt suicide. It was carried out in Helsinki University Central Hospital in 1983. A questionnaire containing 40 different kinds of statements was completed by hospital staff (n=166) & by psychiatric hospital staff (n=85). Attitudes toward attempters by general hospital staff were less positive.