Health chiefs unable to publish new suicide prevention strategy due to stalemate at Stormont
But Chief Medical Officer said 'Protect Life 2' still on track
A new strategy to tackle soaring suicide levels in Northern Ireland is the latest casualty of the Stormont impasse.
‘Protect Life 2’ is now completed but cannot be published without Ministerial approval.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said all options to progress the initiative would be explored.
But he said that support for those who needed it would still be available in the interim.
Dr McBride added that suicide prevention remained “a priority” for the Department of Health.
“The new strategy - Protect Life 2 – has now been finalised but to date we have been unable to publish this without Ministerial endorsement,” he said.
“The Department is currently exploring all options to progress the strategy, and to enable further development of Protect Life services to support those most vulnerable in our society.
“Publication of the finalised Protect Life 2 strategy in its entirety would of course be beneficial; however, it would be totally wrong and misleading to suggest that support for those who need it is being compromised because of any delay in its publication.
“Not only would this be factually incorrect, it could send out a misleading and even potentially dangerous message to those in need. Help is available and much is being done to further develop services, despite pressures on resources across the health and social care system.”
Dr McBride said the strategy would remain in place and that its budget was protected.
“The Public Health Agency continues to invest over £8m a year to deliver suicide prevention, and emotional health and wellbeing services,” he said.
“In addition, a number of new suicide prevention initiatives which are part of Protect Life 2 are being funded separately under the wider transformation proposals.
“If you or someone you know is in distress or despair, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. This is a confidential service where trained counsellors will listen and help immediately on the phone and follow up with other support if necessary. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access the Lifeline website at www.lifelinehelpline.info or NI Direct at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/mental-health-emergency-if-youre-crisis-or-despair. You can also talk to your GP for advice."