This study included 7968 deliberate self-harm attendees at the emergency departments of 4 hospitals in the neighbouring cities of Manchester & Salford, in northwest England, from September 1, 1997-August 31, 2001. 60 suicides occurred in the study during the follow-up period. Suicide rates & standardized mortality ratios were substantially higher for female patients than for male patients. The results highlight the importance in a suicide prevention strategy of early intervention after an episode of self-harm. (29 refs)