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GPs 'ignorant of suicide signs' | |
(40 minutes later) | |
Up to 80% of doctors in NI do not have specialist training in suicide prevention, it has been claimed. | |
Colm Donaghy of the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Taskforce made the comment as four daily newspapers joined forces to highlight the problem. | |
The Irish News, News Letter, Belfast Telegraph and Daily Mirror published a joint statement to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. | |
Mr Donaghy said he was angry that more doctors had not undertaken training. | |
Suicide rates in Northern Ireland are said to be among the highest in Europe. | |
Mr Donaghy told BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show that 80% of people who took their own life had visited their GP in the previous six months. | |
"We asked for a GP training campaign regionally to be run," he said. | |
"There has been a low takeup of that training in Northern Ireland by general practitioners. | |
"The number of GPs who have gone through the regional training would be about 50% to 20%. | |
"The reason it is so low is because of the nature of the service. We have provided CD Roms to all of our GP practices in Northern Ireland." | |
Our political leaders must recognise that every person in Northern Ireland could be at risk of suicide at some time in their life Newspapers' statement | |
The four newspapers said every day in Northern Ireland at least one person takes their own life, while another four people would attempt to kill themselves. | |
They ran statements about suicide on their front pages and also highlighted personal stories of families affected by suicide. | |
'Mental health' | |
The newspapers said the tragedy of suicide was "claiming victims across every age group, class, creed, county and community in increasing numbers". | |
"And while the suicide rate among our pensioners is the highest in the world, it is among our young that the greatest devastation is felt. | "And while the suicide rate among our pensioners is the highest in the world, it is among our young that the greatest devastation is felt. |
"More young men and women die from suicide each year than in road accidents." | "More young men and women die from suicide each year than in road accidents." |
They said there needed to be action to "bring an end to silent hopelessness that haunts thousands of people in our cities, towns, villages and remote rural homes". | They said there needed to be action to "bring an end to silent hopelessness that haunts thousands of people in our cities, towns, villages and remote rural homes". |
They added: "Our political leaders must recognise that every person in Northern Ireland could be at risk of suicide at some time in their life. | They added: "Our political leaders must recognise that every person in Northern Ireland could be at risk of suicide at some time in their life. |
"With more than 80,000 people here living with some degree of mental health problem, the issue cannot be underestimated." | "With more than 80,000 people here living with some degree of mental health problem, the issue cannot be underestimated." |