New safety measures to be implemented to prevent suicide at Derry hospital
New safety measures are to be introduced at a Derry hospital to prevent patients from taking their own lives.
The Western Trust is to spend £110,000 installing anti-ligature products throughout the Waterside Hospital at Gransha on the outskirts of the city.
The primary function of anti-ligature products and furniture is to stop anyone from using the items as a means from which to attach anything to inflict harm on themselves or others.
The primary aim in designing this type of furniture is to eliminate the possibility of attaching a wire or cord around the furniture.
Research by professionals has claimed that by removing access to any method where self-harm can occur is effective in its prevention.
Anti-ligature furniture is common in institutions such as detention centres, prisons and psychiatric hospitals.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust has issued a tender seeking a company to carry out the work at the Waterside Hospital.
The project comprises the removal of potential ligature fixtures and fittings in the hospital - such items as door and window ironmongery, wash hand basins, suspended ceilings and the replacement of these items with anti-ligature type fixtures and fittings.