Thank you for attending the Emergency Department today following an episode of self-harm. We understand that this must be a difficult and distressing time for you.
Our team would like to be able to offer you an assessment of your current needs in order for us to identify any help that may be beneficial to you. It is also important that you have any physical healthcare needs addressed. We would therefore like you to wait to be seen by the triage nurse and the admitting doctor.
Whatever your reason is for attending the Emergency Department, we aim to treat you with respect, dignity and in confidence.
What is self-injury and self-harm and who does it affect?
Self-injury or self-harm can be many things that people do to themselves in a deliberate and often hidden way like cutting, burning, overdosing, scratching, biting, hair pulling and breaking bones.
Sometimes people think they are the only ones doing it but research shows that it is very common.
In the UK at least one in every 15 young people has experience of self-injury. That is two young people in every classroom.
Why do people self-injure or self-harm?
People self-injure and self-harm for all sorts of reasons, but often it is because feelings like anger, sadness and fear have got too painful to deal with.
Sometimes people self-injure or self-harm because of the pressure and stress from things like relationships, family problems, school, work, finances, debt and sexual worries. It may be a way of dealing with horrible situations like abuse or the death of someone close.
You may not know why you self-injure or self-harm. If you think back to the first time, then you may understand what made you start.
Notice what is going on for you when you get the urge to self-injure and you may get clues as to what your self-injury or self- harm is about.
Wound care
If you require any advice or instructions around wound care please ask a nurse before you leave or attend your GP surgery as soon as possible for assistance.
There is a ‘Wound Care Advice Sheet’ available with the A&E department, please ensure that you ask for one or collect one yourself before leaving the department.
Useful websites
National Self Harm Network www.nshn.co.uk
Self Injury Support www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk
Sources of support and information
Self Injury Self Help Group (SISH)
Tel: 0117 230 8230
Self Injury Helpline
Runs Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 - 9pm, and Thursday from 3 - 5pm
Tel: 0117 230 8230
Email: sishbristol@gmail.com
TESS - Text and Email Support Service
For women of any age or background affected by self-injury, whether their own or that of a friend or family member.
Open Tuesday and Thursday, 7 – 9.30pm.
www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Category/text-support
Text: 07537 432444
NHS direct
Tel: 111
Bristol Mindline
Wednesday to Sunday, 8pm – midnight
Tel: 0808 808 0330
Kinergy - Sexual Abuse Counselling
Tel: 0117 908 7712
Next Link – Domestic Abuse Services – Bristol
Tel: 0117 925 0680
Survive – Domestic Violence Support Service – South Gloucestershire
Tel: 0117 961 2999
DHI – Developing health and independence, drug and alcohol service
Tel: 01225 329 411
Email: info@dhi-online.org.uk
ARA, Bristol Alcohol Misuse Service
Tel: 0117 929 3028
Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline
Tel: 08457 909090
Your GP maybe able to offer you more information and support services.
Contact Emergency Department (ED)
Gate 35, Level 0
Brunel building
Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB
Emergency Department Main Reception Gate 35: 0117 4145100 or 0117 4145101