Posted By Bill Elliott
Stuart - essentially the risk needs to be seen as a clinical one - Yes there are physical interventions that can be put into place and I would respectfully suggest that those areas where the at risk parties are likely to be left alone eg bathrooms, access corridors, stair wells and in some instances bedrooms need to be addressed as high risk. Unfortunately you will NEVER be in a position to remove all the ligature points as those determined to make use of them will ALWAYS find a way. Those points most likely to be able to be dealt with are those that are within easy reach, either by standing/sitting on the floor or adjacent furniture etc, you will need to ensure they will not support body weight. Such things as curtain tracks, shower fittings, supply conduit/pipework, hanging rails (excuse the use of words) in cupboards, coat hangers, window fittings, door knobs etc. etc. even your humble fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers have potential. Remove as many as you can in consultation with clinical colleagues (ie those that know and understand the client group)if they constitute a high risk. Those medium or lower risk will have to be managed by observation regimes for example. This is a huge area of risk in mental health settings which needs a methodical approach and a great deal of input form clinical colleagues. Wish you luck!

Posted By Rod Douglas
Stuart,

The best place to look at this issue is on the Prison service web site.

www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/library

Look under Self Harm Prevention

With regards to pipe work (Ligature Points) you can box in low & high level pipes and have access only for the Work Department by using anti tamper screws.

There are also Anti-Ligature door handles you can buy thus reducing the risk of self harm.

I hope this is of some help.


Aye,


Rod D