For deliberate self-poisoning or self-harm:
Patients who have self-harmed require a further psychosocial assessment by a trained specialist, such as a mental health worker or social worker, after their physical problems have been treated NICE CKS. The outcome of these assessments should be communicated to other healthcare professionals involved in the person's care NICE CKS. Before discharge, follow-up support should be discussed and arranged according to the person's mental and physical health needs NICE NG53. This support can include contact details for a community psychiatric nurse or social worker, out-of-hours services, and plans for the first week, including practical and employment support NICE NG53. A follow-up appointment with the GP should be considered within 2 weeks of discharge, and the person should receive a written record of these details NICE NG53. The hospital psychiatrist is responsible for ensuring a discharge letter is emailed to the person's GP within 24 hours, with copies provided to the person and relevant community teams or specialist services NICE NG53. A copy of the latest care plan should also be sent to everyone involved in their care within 24 hours NICE NG53. A discharge summary, including reasons for admission and changes in condition, should be sent to the GP and others involved in care planning within a week, subject to the person's agreement NICE NG53. If a risk of suicide has been identified, the person should be followed up within 48 hours of discharge NICE NG53. Otherwise, follow-up should occur within 7 days NICE NG53. For adults admitted for self-harm who are not receiving community treatment after discharge, consider contacting them to provide advice on available community services for support or reassurance and how to access them NICE NG53. Any risk of suicide should be identified in collaboration with the person and incorporated into care planning NICE NG53.
For low toxicity substances:
If a person has ingested a substance considered to be of low toxicity and hospital assessment is not usually indicated for accidental poisoning, they should be advised that they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset NICE CKS. If this occurs, they should drink a small glass of water, milk, or juice NICE CKS. They should also be informed when to seek medical advice, for example, if gastrointestinal upset does not improve, worsens, or new symptoms develop NICE CKS.
Safeguarding:
Safeguarding concerns should be assessed for people of all ages, including children and adults in the person's care NICE CKS. Child maltreatment should be suspected in cases of poisoning in children if there is a report of deliberate administration of inappropriate substances, unexpected blood levels of drugs not prescribed, or repeated presentations of ingestions NICE CG89.