HSE National Guideline
HSE National Guideline on the Implementation and use of the National Ligature Risk-Reduction Audit Tool for Approved Centres
Topic:
Ligature risk reduction
Document Owner:
Assistant national director for mental health
National Group:
Ligature risk reduction guideline development group, access and integration, national mental health
Effective From: 16 December 2024
Guideline presented as best practice which will assist staff in approved centres to meet the requirements related to ligature reduction of the Mental Health Act (2001) Approved Centre Regulations (2006)–Regulations 22 (Premises), 32 (Risk Management Procedures) and Judgement Support Framework (2024)
The guideline document is intended to support regional health area teams to ensure services offer the best and safest environment for all service users. It recognises that to create this safe environment, this care is best delivered in an integrated manner between clinicians, health & safety/quality and patient safety advisors, Capital & Estates and maintenance. It is considered that an environmental audit of ligature risks and a management plan to address these risks when delivered in conjunction with clinical risk assessment and integrated care plans for suicidal/deliberate self-harm & observation will provide the best possible outcomes.