The Emergency Department serves a population of over 300,000 people.This comprise a mix of different nationalities such as Irish, Other EAA citizens and non-EAA nationals.

Presentation to the Emergency Department after deliberate self harm is quite common.Although patient assessment do not reliably predict risk of future self harm(Hawthorn et al, 1995), they can identify treatable psychiatric disorders and other psychosocial problems.

All records of patients aged 16 years and over, presenting to the Emergency department with deliberate self harm between 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2006 were examined. The quality of assessments analysed using an audit protocol developed from the Royal College of Psychiatrist guidelines for assessment following self harm in adult (RCPsych Council report 2004).

A total of 319 patients presented within this period of which 284 case notes were traceable.Alcohol consumption prior to deliberate self harm was documented in only 75% of cases.

Also majority of precipitating factors for deliberate self harm were social issues but patients' social circumstances were assessed in only 57% of cases.

At the end of the assessments, over 70% of patients were discharged home, some without proper details of social support network. Also alcohol consumption need be assessed in all patients presenting with deliberate self harm (Royal college of Physician guidelines).

In conclusion, the assessments within this period fall short of the Royal College of Psychiatrist guidelines.