Preventing nurses’ suicides: new toolkit lists warning signs
The toolkit aims to reduce suicide in the NHS, where nurses are seen at particular risk due to work pressure and fear of letting patients down
Female nurses are at a higher risk of suicide due to work pressures and a fear of letting patients down, according to a new toolkit aimed at reducing NHS staff suicides.
The suicide prevention toolkit, launched by NHS England during National Suicide Prevention Week, includes advice on identifying staff at risk of suicide and how to respond to warning signs.
Suicide rates among health professionals are higher than among the general population. Female nurses have a 23% higher suicide rate than other women, according to the guidance.
Data from the Laura Hyde Foundation shows a dramatic increase in the number of nurses attempting suicide in the past two years. Some 366 nurses are known to have tried to take their own lives in 2022, a 62% increase from 226 in 2020.
Nurses may also be less likely to access mental health support
The toolkit suggests nurses are at particular risk of suicide ‘due to a unique combination of factors’ including mounting pressure to work longer hours and take on more shifts and psychological pressures linked to fear of letting patients down.
Necessary local workplace strategies
The guidance calls for local workplace suicide prevention strategies that:
- Pledge to talk about and reduce the stigma of suicide
- Ensure all staff are aware of the support available
- Offer staff training on suicide awareness and prevention
- Offer staff access to timely support after the death of a colleague
- Consider a culture of sensitivity around mental ill-health
Nurses may also be less likely to access mental health support because they are worried about losing their job or being perceived to have failed in some way by colleagues, says the document.
The toolkit also flags the strain on the minority of nurses involved in fitness to practise (FtP) cases who can find the process ‘overwhelming’ and highlights support such as Nursing and Midwifery Council’s FtP Careline.
Helping organisations to embed suicide prevention strategies in their health and well-being policies
Deputy director of mental health nursing at NHS England Emma Wadey, who was among those involved in its development, said: ‘We should all be aware of risks of suicide because we can all take steps to prevent it.
‘This toolkit can assist organisations to embed suicide prevention strategies in their health and well-being policies and guide the approach to supporting those at risk of suicide within the workforce.’
At this year’s RCN Congress members voted to lobby the government to create an integrated suicide prevention programme for the nursing workforce across the UK. An RCN steering group for suicide prevention has since been set up.
Nurses contribute much to society, often at a personal cost
RCN professional lead for mental health nursing Stephen Jones, who was also involved in the creation of the toolkit, said: ‘Suicide is a serious issue for the nursing workforce, and nursing staff deserve adequate mental health support. If nursing staff can’t access support, how are they going to support their patients?
‘Nursing staff contribute so much to our society, but too often it comes at a personal cost.’
Do you need mental health support?
If you are struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, help is out there:
- Laura Hyde Foundation
- The Samaritans, or call 116 123
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK, or call 0800 689 5652
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), or call 0800 58 58 58
- RCN counselling service
- Rethink
- Mind
- Andy’s Man Club
- SANE
- Shout, or text 85258 for support 24/7
Further information
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