With this in mind the return appointment system for patients who deliberately self-harm was extended to include patients who were intoxicated, out of hours and voicing thoughts of self-harm, but not suicide.
Despite these intentions, there is always going to be inconsistencies around, how much is “too drunk”, and differing interpretation of risk. However, as with all new services there were to be teething problems and it has required returning to the model of change to re-evaluate the concept …show more content…
Notwithstanding these limitations, it is an important provision and a step in the direction of recovery for the patients who agree to return and the projected abating of frequent attendees.
The evaluation of alcohol intoxication and self-harm return appointments has proved in the short term to have some success. Evidence based principles in combination with collaboration between the services has been valuable in the context of joint working. Education for staff will remain at the forefront to decrease anxieties surrounding the problems already discussed, edify and offer feedback on the service its realization and any shortfalls.
Working with a team that has been nationally recognized as innovators allows for new ideas and development changes to be considered by others. The emergency team has been established for twelve years with good rapport established throughout the hospital site, enabling discussions for the service improvement to be welcomed. However the concept for the extended service required to be illustrated to the departments who would be using it and were accepting forward …show more content…
With the growth of volume of super stores, proximity, special offers and own brand alcohol do these corporations need to take some responsibility for the encumbrance addictions has on the nation? Are they encouraging abuse of alcohol and in turn affecting the lives of the drinker, families, communities and the country as a whole? Is it a government short falling that the sales of alcohol are not regulated or increased to discourage misuse? Despite these observations are each individual not accountable for their own actions, should the responsibility not lie at their door? While these questions should not be discounted there is a patient in the middle of this situation and the opportunity and support to move forward away from the problem of alcohol and risky behavior should be afforded them without