The Work Environment for Health-Care Staff (IN: Suicide – an Unnecessary Death, edited by D Wasserman)

This chapter discusses the effects of patient suicidal behaviour on health care workers. It is suggested sound treatment routines & documentation of policies & procedures can assist staff in promoting good care to patients. The case history of a 30-year-old male who completed suicide after being given a weekend pass from the psychiatric ward is used to illustrate the aftermath of a patient suicide. Support measures for staff after a patient suicide or suicide attempt are outlined. Some strategies for enhancing the quality of suicide prevention work are briefly mentioned. (11 refs.)