In the U.S. those who seek treatment in hospital following a suicide attempt are met with a variety of responses by different kinds of caregivers, depending on the hospitals surveyed, the person may be discharged with no psychiatric consultation; follow through on outpatient referrals is left to the individual. Hospitals have a wide range of reponses to the attempt patient in spite of their critical role in prevention. A more clearly defined & consisitent approach is needed. (LH)