The mpox virus is spreading across Africa and beyond at an alarming rate. This outbreak could have been locally contained but rich countries that have the vaccines have been slow to act. Here are three steps we must take now to keep everyone safe. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Every year we NCISH report national figures on patient suicide. In 2024 topics included: •autistic people or with ADHD •inpatients <25 •students •people seen only once •public locations What should the topics be in our 2025 report?

4 red deer yesterday afternoon at RSPB Leighton Moss, one of the best reserves in the country. Plus fantastic views of hobby (small falcon). Marsh harrier, avocet, great white egret, marsh tit. #biodiversity

#Grenfell tragedy was one of most important events in our post-war social history. That image of a tower block in flames should have been a turning point. I wrote a report on suicide risk for local NHS. Common view among those I met was that no one would be held accountable.

Our 2022 report highlighted domestic violence & suicide (another suggestion). Our recommendation was that risk assessment should routinely include DV. Other topics included patients with co-existing physical illness & <18s. sites.manchester.ac.uk/ncish/reports/…

Our 2021 report covered ethnic minorities, also a suggestion, though we stressed we shouldn’t group minorities together - the risks are different. Patients living alone were a topic in this report - isolation & loneliness are important risks factors. sites.manchester.ac.uk/ncish/reports/…

In 2019 we reported on older patients, also suggested, for whom suicide prevention should focus on bereavement, depression & physical ill-health. In this report young women & homeless patients were also featured. sites.manchester.ac.uk/ncish/reports/…

Each year we report national data for suicides by mental health patients. We update figures for inpatients & after hospital discharge. These are tragic findings, intended to inform staff about risk & prevention. The message: no suicide is inevitable.

Momentous day. I wrote a report on suicide risk - psychological safety - in the aftermath of the #Grenfell tragedy. A common fear was that the news cycle would move on & the public would lose interest. But the spotlight had to lead somewhere - change, accountability, justice.

After #Grenfell you’d think no-one would equate regulation with “red tape” - a bureaucratic inconvenience. We need to re-define regulation, preserve its purpose in protecting the public & rethink the rhetoric that surrounds it. Including in health care. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

A word about humiliation, as it’s making headlines. Suicide is complex - people’s lives are complex. But there are features that many tragic deaths have in common. Humiliation, a sense of injustice, nowhere to turn. Highly destructive & dangerous. #suicideprevention.

Shocked to hear Prof Sir David Goldberg, one of leading psychiatrists of last 50yr, has died. David was a giant in history of mental health, combining fierce intellect & deep compassion for disadvantage. Anyone treated for depression or in community care has felt his influence.