ALMOST 6000 Scots took their own lives between 2011 and 2018, according to newly released statistics.
ISD Scotland said 44% contacted paramedics, NHS 24 or out-of-hours GP services in the year before their death.
Its new report looking into Scotland’s suicide figures reveals almost a third (33%) of those who killed themselves had called the Scottish Ambulance Service on at least one occasion before their suicide.
The study is the first of its kind to look at people’s contact with one of the care services in the 12 months before they took their own lives.
It found the 5982 people living in Scotland who died by suicide in the eight-year-period “were significantly more likely to have had contact with an unscheduled care service in the 12 months before death than members of the general population”.
The report notes the highest levels of contact with unscheduled care services were associated with women over 75 who are living in the most economically deprived areas.
Boys and men between the ages of five and 24 were linked to lower levels of contact with these services, as well as those living in more affluent or remote areas.
The report expresses concern that people whose deaths are found to be “definite suicides” rather than “probably suicides” are also less likely to have been in contact with the ambulance service, NHS 24 or out-of-hours GP services.
It adds: “Health service planners will want to consider possible improvements to the organisation, reach and delivery of services targeted at groups at high risk of suicide, while healthcare providers will want to consider improvements to the identification, engagement and effective treatment of individuals in these groups.”
Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey cited the suicide prevention action plan, which is receiving £3 million funding over five years.
“Every suicide is a tragedy with a far-reaching impact on family, friends and communities,” she said.
“Through our suicide prevention action plan – supported by £3m funding over the course of the current Parliament – we are working to reduce the rate of suicide in Scotland and are ensuring that those affected by suicide have access to the right support.”
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