Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ2: Approach in tackling suicide

        Following is a question by the Dr Hon David Chu and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (February 25):

 

Question:

 

        It has been reported that the number of suicide cases in Hong Kong has increased in recent years.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

 

(a) of its measures to curb the suicide trend; and

 

(b) whether it plans to enhance assistance and counselling services for the families, relatives and friends concerned; if so, of the details of such plans; if not, the reasons for that?

 

Reply:

 

Madam President,

 

(a) To ensure a more co-ordinated and effective approach in tackling suicide, a multi-disciplinary Working Group comprising experts from the health, education and welfare was set in 2001. Contributions from other relevant experts, for example, the police and the academia, have also been sought. Since its establishment, the Working Group has mapped out a strategy to tackle the suicide problem. The following four-pronged approach was adopted -

 

* To enhance our understanding of the suicide by strengthening  data collection, improving statistical analysis, undertaking local research and reviewing overseas experience;

 

* To provide a range of preventive, supportive and remedial services, with a view to mitigating the risk factors and strengthening the protective factors, and providing timely intervention and assistance;

 

* To strengthen public education and publicity programmes for the community to enhance their understanding and alertness; and

 

* To strengthen training for frontline professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills.

 

        Working closely through the Working Group, bureaux, departments and the Hospital Authority have taken new initiatives, on top of the services provided, to address rising numbers of suicide. Special services which focus on the prevailing needs of individuals and groups were provided. The new initiatives include, for example,-

 

*  designated services to provide crisis support to vulnerable individuals and families in distress;

*  debt counselling for people in financial difficulties;

*  designated services for early detection and treatment of depression in elders and fast track clinics providing intensive follow up services,

*  special programmes to screen young people and students for social and emotional problem;

*  designated publicity and educational programmes;

*  training for frontline social workers and professionals; and

*  undertaking researches on suicide to better understand the problem.

 

        I should point out that the media also plays an important role in suicide prevention and imparting positive life messages to members of our community.

 

(b) A wide range of services, including bereavement counselling and tangible support, are available to provide assistance and counselling for those families, relatives and friends concerned.

 

        At the medical and welfare setting, medical social workers at HA's hospitals and social workers of SWD's Family Service Centres/Integrated Family Service Centres outreach to families of persons who attempted/committed suicide to provide counselling and other services they need.  Bereavement counselling, burial grants, child care services etc. will be arranged as appropriate.  For suicide cases with a particular impact on the community, debriefing sessions by clinical psychologists and other professionals are arranged.

 

        At the school setting, in collaboration with school development officers of the Regional Education Offices, education psychologists of EMB render on-site aftermath service to schools facing an incident of suicide, including rendering emotional first-aid support to students and staff affected by the traumatic event; rendering appropriate support to parents; and advising schools on the formulation of intervention plan and follow up support, e.g. the management of student/staff at risk.

 

        We will continue to keep our services under review and seek improvements as and when necessary.

 

Ends/Wednesday, February 25, 2004

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