Learning to Improve: Risk Assessment

During the period 2011-2017, 5,286 people died from suicide in Scotland (figure taken from the Scottish Public Health Observatory data pages). Nearly three-quarters had contact with acute mental health addictions or primary care services in the year before death. These healthcare contacts offer the potential to intervene to reduce the risk of suicide happening. 

This session will describe an integrated, whole-system approach to improving service responses to people presenting with suicidal behaviour in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.  

This includes a co-ordinated range of interventions aimed at reducing risk: 

  • The use of information gathered in Significant Clinical Incident Reviews to highlight areas of concern, influence policy and monitor change.
  • Research conducted in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde showing a significant correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and suicide risk.
  • Developing a comprehensive approach to staff training, online and in small groups.
  • Developing new risk assessment tools in the light of current evidence and the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde audit.
  • Incorporating risk management into eHealth systems.
  • Reducing risks associated with the ‘environment of care’, including refurbished and new-build inpatient units.
  • Using improvement methodology and the Scottish Patient Safety Programme to address the ‘human dimensions’ of change.

Dr Michael Smith

Lead Associate Medical Director, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Mental Health Services


Dr Michael Smith (MD, FRCPsych) is Associate Medical Director for Mental Health & Addiction Services in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Dr Nagore Penades

Consultant Psychiatrist, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde


Nagore Penades is a consultant in General Adult Psychiatry based at the Renfrewshire Community Mental Health Team.

Dr Brian Gillatt

Consultant Psychiatrist, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde


Dr Brian Gillatt is a consultant forensic psychiatrist working in medium secure care at the Rowanbank clinic in Glasgow.

Sharon Pettigrew

Professional Nurse Advisor, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde


Sharon Pettigrew is the Professional Nurse Advisor for Mental Health across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.