Families call on GPs to tell them if their loved ones have suicidal thoughts
It's the plea of John Tate, after his son Matt took his own life while studying at Northumbria Uni
Families say it could be time GPs are allowed to inform them if their loved ones have suicidal thoughts.
John Tate's son, Matt, was a student at Northumbria Uni when he took his own life last October.
The family say it came as a massive shock - after a search of his Newcastle flat turend up nothing, the family say they were initially reassured as they thought he was at university.
However, when police searched the family home in Cumbria, they found Matt in the garage.
After his death, John found out that he'd been to a GP with mental health issues, been referred - but then discharged.
John says if he'd known, Matt might have been able to get help:
"The more people that know, the more people can help him - if me and his Mum had have known, if his friends had known, we wouldn't have left his side to make sure he was ok.
"I really do think that the medical profession - especially for teenagers - they should be getting in touch with the parents.
"I think if a husband goes in, they should be getting in touch with their spouse too."
But while he understands where John is coming from, Whitley Bay GP Dr George Rae says it's not the answer:
"We do, very much feel that confidentiality is the cornerstone - the trust block - we offer to patients in England.
"If there wasn't that general awareness that when you come to see your doctor that it's absolutely confidential, they may not come because they think we're going to divulge the information."
Anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.