❓ Ms. Mettam questions the Minister for Mental Health on the number of inpatient suicides (including those on leave or AWOL) within WA mental health services from 2016-2024. The Minister provides data on SAC-1 clinical incidents, noting limitations and the focus on care improvements.
AnsweredQoN 25Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
For each of the following periods, how many mental health patients died due to suspected suicide whilst an inpatient of a mental health service, including patients who who are suspected to have completed suicide whilst they were on authorised leave or ‘absent without leave (AWOL)’from the mental health service: (a) 2016-17; (b) 2017-18; (c) 2018-19; (d) 2019-20; (e) 2020-21; (f) 2021-22; (g) 2022-23; (h) 2023-24; and (i) 2024 to date?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
29 May 2025
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
8 days
Severity Assessment Code 1 (SAC-1s) are any event where health care, by commission or omission, could have or did contribute to serious harm or death. SAC-1 clinical incidents may have multiple contributing factors that may not be solely responsible for the patient harm caused.
There is no nationally agreed benchmark rate for clinical incidents. Rates can be also challenged by low numbers and tend to distract from the human story and care improvements behind each case.
Number of SAC-1 clinical incidents for inpatients of public health services:
(a) 5
(b) <5
(c) <5
(d) 9
(e) 9
(f) <5
(g) 6
(h) 6
(i) <5
There is no nationally agreed benchmark rate for clinical incidents. Rates can be also challenged by low numbers and tend to distract from the human story and care improvements behind each case.
Number of SAC-1 clinical incidents for inpatients of public health services:
(a) 5
(b) <5
(c) <5
(d) 9
(e) 9
(f) <5
(g) 6
(h) 6
(i) <5
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