This 5-year review of deliberate self-poisoning cases seen in an accident and emergency department revealed that about 700 patients were seen per year. Three-quarters of these needed admission (forming some 15% of all hospital admissions). Of these 65% were referred to the psychiatrist. The remaining quarter were dealt with in the accident and emergency department. Analysis of the data identifies problems where further research is needed. In particular the question is raised as to whether these patients would not be better dealt with in an acute medical unit now that accident departments are turning their attention increasingly to the management of trauma.
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