Derbyshire support pack for suicide praised by practices
GP practices in Derbyshire have praised a support pack that helps them and their patients after a suicide.
The suicide postvention support pack led by Clay Cross GP Dr Sohrab Panday has been used by practice staff after the suicide of a patient.
The support pack aims to help patients, staff and practice managers navigate immediate, short term, medium term, and long term actions following a suicide.
In Derbyshire there are 100 deaths by suicide each year. It’s estimated that each death will leave approximately 15 people needing bereavement support.
People who are bereaved by suicide have an increased risk of suicidal acts themselves.
Postvention supports bereaved family, friends, professionals, and peers. Since 2022 on reporting a suicide, GP practices across Derbyshire have automatically received the postvention suicide pack
The pack has been used by Chapel Street Surgery in Spondon, following the suicide of a patient.
Angela Disney, Practice Partner, said: “The pack felt like there was someone to guide and support me every step of the way.
“It was as if there was a compassionate arm around me offering comfort and direction when I needed it the most.
“Dr Panday has provided me and my professional colleagues with guidance and support which was not just practical but deeply emotional, providing a sense of being cared for and understood.”
The pack was published in 2020 and it was endorsed to be used as a national template when it was relaunched in June this year, by the Royal College of GPs and NHS Practitioner Health.
Dr Helen Garr, its Clinical Director NHS Practitioner Health, said: “This comprehensive guide provides essential support and practical steps for managing the aftermath of a patient’s suicide, addressing both the emotional impact on staff and the needs of the bereaved, which can be devastating and long-lasting.”
The pack was also praised by Rose Cotton, Practice Manager at Gresleydale Healthcare Centre, in Swadlincote.
She said: “Over the last year, our practice has made significant strides in improving suicide awareness with the support of Dr Panday and the resources he has shared with us.
“They have been instrumental in enhancing patient and staff outcomes.”
Dr Panday, is clinical lead for mental health in Derbyshire and the author of the support pack.
He said: “In addition to the pack we now also have Primary Care champions across Derbyshire that I have trained. They visit practices across the county and work with practice staff to help prevent repeat suicides and offer support and education.”
The pack can be found on the Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website alongside the user guide and national template.
If you are concerned about yourself or anyone who is suicidal you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.