Suicide on the Isle of Man - part two

Perspective

Sunday, 15 September 2019 - 1 hour 27 minutes

This week, we're taking another look at the work of Tynwald's Social Affairs Policy Review Committee, after a further public evidence session with a senior figure from the health department.

If we rewind back to November last year, the standing committee of Tynwald committed to undertake an inquiry into the topic of suicide on the Isle of Man.

The move came as part of its report on mental health here.

The committee set out to look at:

i) The adequacy of preventative measures;

ii) The response of public services following instances of suicide;

iii) The role and functioning of the Coroner of Inquests; and

iv) The support available for those affected by suicide.

The panel consists of David Cretney MLC plus MHKs Martyn Perkins and Julie Edge.

The trio heard in public from the health department's interim CEO, Angela Murray, on Monday (9 September).

We hear that discussion in full, and Dollin Mercer is then joined live in the studio by the committee's chair to reflect on what he'd heard.

As well as discussing the inquiry into suicide, Mr Cretney also gives his thoughts after the publication of a report about Manannan Court.

Named after the mythological Celtic sea god, necromancer and guardian of the 'otherworld', Manannan Court is the Island's acute in-patient mental health facility.

Psychiatric mental health nurse consultant Dr Tommy Dickinson, who authored the report, made a total of 17 recommendations for change.

Included in the findings, care plans for patients there were found to be 'poor' and in need of urgent improvement.

Suicide on the Isle of Man - part two

Perspective

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