A pharmacy’s suicide prevention action plan does not need to be large or complicated. For community pharmacies in England and Wales, the action plan should include “the action to take if anyone reports to staff that they have suicidal feelings”. Obtaining contact details and following up with the patient may be helpful and you can consider including this in your action plan. 

Where appropriate, you can contact them after a few days and check and see if they have had support or feel that things are resolving. Knowing that the situation is being dealt with is useful for your own peace of mind. 

Reflective exercise

What do you think should be included in your pharmacy’s suicide prevention action plan?