AQW 25637/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health what information has been provided to GPs to increase awareness of the Self Harm Intervention Programme.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 11 November 2021
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 11 November 2021
- Answer due by
- 26 November 2021
- Answered
- 26 January 202276 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
GPs cannot directly refer patients who self-harm to the Self Harm Intervention Programme (SHIP). They may however refer families/carers for education and support in relation to caring for a loved one who is self-harming. The carer can receive up to 3 sessions of support.
In situations where the GP is concerned about an individual who is self-harming, the GP will make a referral to the relevant HSC Trust. The individual will be triaged/assessed by a mental health professional to ensure that anyone who requires more intensive support by the Trusts Mental Health Team is identified and offered the appropriate level of care. Mental health professionals in the 5 HSC Trusts or the Senior Mental Health Practitioner in the practice based multidisciplinary teams may then make the referral to SHIP.
Information has been provided to GPs and practices about SHIP and other relevant services on a number of occasions via the GP intranet including:
March 2017 for Self-Harm Awareness Day
September 2018 for World Suicide Prevention Day.
October 2019 for World Mental Health Day.
A leaflet about the SHIP service has also been shared with GPs and practice based mental health professionals.