DC152-Preventing Suicide by Hanging and Strangulation Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Preventing Suicide by Hanging and Strangulation Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for preventing, identifying, and responding to the risk of suicide by hanging or strangulation within {{org_field_name}}.This policy aims to protect service users, staff, and visitors, ensuring that proactive measures are in place to mitigate risk and provide timely interventions.

{{org_field_name}} is committed to compassionate, person-centred care, ensuring that service users experiencing distress or mental health challenges receive appropriate support, safeguarding, and risk reduction interventions in compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, Mental Health Act 1983, and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees, including care workers, mental health support staff, and management.
Service users, particularly those identified as at risk of self-harm or suicide.
Family members, carers, and external mental health professionals, ensuring collaborative care planning.
Regulatory and safeguarding bodies, ensuring compliance with best practice standards.

It covers:

Risk assessment and early identification of suicide risk.
Preventative environmental controls and safety measures.
Emergency response and crisis intervention.
Staff training and responsibilities.
Communication and safeguarding procedures.
Compliance monitoring and continuous improvement.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines:

Mental Health Act 1983 – Governing care and treatment of individuals with mental health conditions.
Care Act 2014 – Safeguarding responsibilities and duty of care for vulnerable adults.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensuring staff and service user safety.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Promoting high-quality, safe care environments.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 – Protecting at-risk individuals.
Suicide Prevention Strategy for England – Providing best practice guidance on suicide prevention.

4. Risk Assessment and Early Identification of Suicide Risk

To prevent suicide by hanging or strangulation, {{org_field_name}} conducts comprehensive risk assessments for all service users at risk. This includes:

Initial risk assessments upon admission or referral.
Ongoing monitoring through regular check-ins and care plan reviews.
Identifying key risk factors, including:
- History of self-harm or suicide attempts.
- Recent mental health crises or psychiatric admissions.
- Substance misuse or severe social isolation.
- Major life stressors (e.g., bereavement, financial difficulties, relationship breakdowns).
Collaboration with mental health professionals to implement tailored safety plans.
Multi-agency safeguarding meetings where necessary to ensure coordinated care.

5. Preventative Environmental Controls and Safety Measures

To minimise environmental risks associated with hanging or strangulation, we implement:

Environmental safety checks to identify and remove potential ligature points.
Modifications to care settings, including:
- Use of anti-ligature fixtures in high-risk areas.
- Limiting access to items that could be used for self-harm.
- Ensuring safe storage of medications, cords, and sharp objects.
Enhanced supervision protocols for high-risk individuals.
Careful placement of service users in the safest possible environment, balancing autonomy and protection.
Increased home visit frequency for those identified at risk.

6. Emergency Response and Crisis Intervention

In the event of an imminent risk of suicide, our crisis intervention plan includes:

Immediate action to remove the service user from danger while ensuring staff safety.
Engaging emergency services (999) if an active suicide attempt occurs.
Applying first aid or CPR if necessary until medical professionals arrive.
Engaging family members and mental health teams to provide immediate emotional support.
Post-crisis intervention, including:
- Referral to crisis mental health services.
- Increased supervision and tailored intervention planning.
- Ongoing risk management and trauma-informed support.

7. Staff Training and Responsibilities

To equip staff with the skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to suicide risk, we provide:

Mandatory suicide prevention training, including:
- Recognising warning signs of distress.
- Safe intervention techniques.
- De-escalation strategies and trauma-informed care.
Mental health first aid training for frontline staff.
Clear escalation protocols, ensuring staff know how to respond to high-risk situations.
Confidential debriefing and support for staff involved in crisis incidents.
A designated Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Lead to oversee policy implementation and training.

8. Communication and Safeguarding Procedures

{{org_field_name}} fosters a culture of openness and early intervention through:

Encouraging service users to communicate distress without stigma.
Establishing trusted relationships between staff and service users.
Confidential reporting pathways for staff to escalate concerns.
Safeguarding procedures, including:
- Multi-agency collaboration for at-risk individuals.
- Immediate referrals to mental health crisis teams if needed.
- Compliance with safeguarding policies for vulnerable adults.
Regular family involvement, ensuring support networks are engaged.

9. Compliance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To ensure continuous improvement in suicide prevention strategies, {{org_field_name}}:

Conducts quarterly audits of risk assessments and incident reports.
Reviews suicide prevention protocols annually or after any serious incident.
Collects staff and service user feedback on mental health support services.
Engages with external mental health experts to update training and best practices.
Implements lessons learned from incidents to refine procedures and interventions.

10. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to:

Legislative updates or regulatory changes.
Serious incidents or safeguarding reviews.
Staff feedback highlighting improvement areas.
Best practice developments in mental health and suicide prevention.

11. Conclusion

By implementing this Preventing Suicide by Hanging and Strangulation Policy, {{org_field_name}}ensures a proactive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to suicide prevention. Through comprehensive risk assessments, staff training, environmental safety modifications, and crisis intervention strategies, we prioritise the well-being, dignity, and protection of service users while upholding regulatory compliance and best practice standards.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.