SL152-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 ensure that {{org_field_name}} takes proactive, compassionate, and evidence-based steps to prevent the risk of suicide by hanging or strangulation among service users. This policy reflects our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, promoting mental well-being, and ensuring a safe environment while delivering person-centred care.

Our approach prioritises prevention through robust risk assessments, staff training, environmental safety measures, and effective care planning. This policy aligns with CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), Regulation 13 (Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment), and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring service users receive safe, respectful, and dignified support.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, agency workers, contractors, and volunteers working within {{org_field_name}}. It covers the identification, prevention, and management of suicide risks, with a specific focus on hanging and strangulation.

It applies to all service users, including those with a known history of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or mental health conditions that may increase vulnerability. This policy ensures that all staff are equipped to identify risks early, respond effectively, and create safe, supportive environments for service users.

3. Our Commitment to Suicide Prevention

3.1 Understanding Suicide Risk
{{org_field_name}} recognises that suicide is a complex and sensitive issue, often linked to mental health challenges, life stressors, or feelings of isolation. Hanging and strangulation are among the most common methods of suicide, making it essential to adopt a proactive, preventative approach.

We adopt a compassionate, non-judgemental approach, understanding that suicidal thoughts are often a cry for help rather than a desire for life to end. Our goal is to create an environment where service users feel safe, valued, and supported in expressing their emotions and accessing the help they need.

3.2 Person-Centred Approach
Our service is committed to person-centred care, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and risks are addressed. This includes:

Conducting thorough risk assessments upon admission and regularly thereafter.
Developing personalised support plans with input from the service user, their family, and healthcare professionals.
Ensuring service users have access to mental health support, counselling, and crisis intervention when needed.

We promote open communication, encouraging service users to speak about their mental health without fear of judgment. Staff are trained to identify early warning signs of distress and intervene promptly to prevent escalation.

4. Risk Assessment and Monitoring

4.1 Identifying Risks
All service users undergo a comprehensive risk assessment during their initial assessment and care planning process. This assessment identifies:

Any history of self-harm or suicide attempts.
Current mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
Environmental and situational triggers that may increase risk.
Protective factors, such as social support and coping strategies.

Staff conduct regular reviews of risk assessments, particularly after significant life events, changes in mental health status, or following any incidents of self-harm.

4.2 Continuous Monitoring
Monitoring is a continuous process, with staff trained to observe for early warning signs of distress, such as:

Social withdrawal or isolation.
Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness.
Changes in behaviour, mood, or personal hygiene.
Increased agitation, anxiety, or restlessness.

Staff document and report concerns promptly, ensuring timely interventions and support.

5. Environmental Safety Measures

5.1 Reducing Access to Ligature Points
To minimise the risk of hanging and strangulation, {{org_field_name}} ensures that all premises are designed and maintained to promote safety. Environmental risk assessments are conducted regularly, identifying and mitigating potential ligature points. This includes:

Ensuring that fixtures and fittings in bedrooms and bathrooms are designed to reduce risk.
Using anti-ligature curtain rails, door handles, and wardrobe fittings.
Removing unnecessary cords, ropes, or belts from service users’ environments when risk is identified.
Regularly reviewing furniture placement to prevent access to potential ligature points.

5.2 Safe Accommodation Design
Where risk is identified, we work closely with service users to ensure their accommodation is safe while respecting their dignity and independence. This may involve:

Using anti-ligature products and fixtures.
Providing increased supervision where needed.
Creating calming environments that promote mental well-being.

Environmental checks are documented, and any concerns are promptly addressed.

6. Staff Training and Competency

To implement this policy effectively, all staff receive comprehensive training in suicide prevention, including:

Understanding suicide risk factors and warning signs.
Conducting suicide risk assessments.
Responding compassionately to service users expressing suicidal thoughts.
Safely managing incidents involving ligature risks.

Training is provided during induction and refreshed regularly to ensure staff remain competent and confident in managing risks effectively.

Staff are also trained in mental capacity assessments, ensuring that service users’ rights and autonomy are respected while safeguarding their well-being.

7. Responding to Suicide Risk

7.1 Immediate Response
If a service user is identified as being at risk of suicide by hanging or strangulation, staff must act immediately:

Stay with the individual, providing reassurance and a calm presence.
Remove any potential ligature materials from the environment, if safe to do so.
Contact emergency services if the risk is imminent.
Notify the service manager and safeguarding lead.

7.2 Crisis Intervention and Support
Following an incident or expression of suicidal thoughts, staff provide compassionate, non-judgemental support. This includes:

Conducting a detailed risk assessment and updating the support plan.
Offering emotional support and signposting to mental health services.
Engaging with the individual’s family, GP, or mental health team, where appropriate.

8. Safeguarding and Incident Reporting

All incidents involving suicide risk are treated as safeguarding concerns, in line with CQC Regulation 13and our Safeguarding Policy. Staff must:

Record the incident accurately and promptly.
Notify the safeguarding lead and service manager:

1) Verbally to the Registered Manager or Safeguarding Lead

2) Inform the Registered Manager by email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}

3) Call the office and inform the Registered Manager or Safeguarding Lead: {{org_field_phone_no}}

4) Out of hours phone number: {{out_of_hours}}

5) Online via our website: {{org_field_website}}

Report serious incidents to external agencies, including the CQC, if required under Regulation 18.

Care Quality Commission (CQC): Call03000 616161 for concerns about care standards or regulatory breaches.

Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team: {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}}, Link: {{org_field_local_authority_information_link}} for concerns related to abuse or neglect.

A full review is conducted after any incident, identifying lessons learned and updating care plans and environmental risk assessments accordingly.

9. Supporting Service Users and Staff

Suicide prevention requires a compassionate, whole-team approach. {{org_field_name}} ensures that both service users and staff receive appropriate support:

For Service Users: Emotional support, mental health referrals, and regular check-ins.
For Staff: Debriefing sessions, counselling, and reflective practice to promote resilience and learning.

We promote open dialogue about mental health, reducing stigma and encouraging service users and staff to seek help when needed.

10. Collaborative Working

Effective suicide prevention relies on collaborative working. {{org_field_name}} works closely with:

GPs and mental health services to ensure timely interventions.
Families and advocates, respecting service users’ wishes and confidentiality.
Local safeguarding boards and crisis teams.

We ensure that service users have access to mental health resources, including crisis lines and counselling services.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside the following policies:

Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (SL13)
Risk Management and Assessment Policy (SL18)
Health and Safety at Work Policy (SL16)
Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (SL39)
Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy (SL27)

12. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to continuous improvement in suicide prevention. This includes:

Regular audits of risk assessments and incident reports.
Staff feedback and reflective practice.
Lessons learned from incidents to update procedures and training.

We work with external partners, including mental health professionals and safeguarding boards, to stay informed about best practices and emerging risks.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, CQC guidance, or operational needs. Feedback from staff, service users, and families will inform future revisions, ensuring the policy remains effective, compassionate, and evidence-based.

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.