The Servicio Murciano de Salud reaffirmed on 10 September 2026 that people who, after a suicide attempt, were treated in A&E departments are to receive systematic follow-up through the Código Riesgo Suicida . The measure aims to close gaps in care between hospitals, specialist outpatient clinics and Primary care and prevent further attempts.
According to the regional government, the process includes an initial telephone contact within the first five days after discharge, follow-up appointments in person within seven days, and coordinated referral to the appropriate psychiatric or nursing follow-up service. Teams in A&E departments record the code at discharge and initiate the subsequent steps. Implementation requires clear protocols, defined responsibilities and reliable communication channels between inpatient and outpatient services.
The Código Riesgo Suicida is embedded in regional guidelines developed since 2025 and referenced in the Estrategia de Mejora de la Salud Mental 2023–2026 of the Región de Murcia . This links emergency care with structured brief interventions and follow-up contacts at health centres and specialist outpatient clinics. The approach follows evidence-based recommendations that early, repeated brief contacts—particularly by telephone—can reduce the risk of further suicidal behaviour. However, concrete effects in the Región de Murcia can only be quantified once the forthcoming routine data have been analysed.
The administration also points to national sources of initial support and guidance. These include the 24-hour 024 helpline, which offers callers in acute crisis accessible support and, where necessary, referral to clinical care. At the same time, the health administration is working with the Murciasalud platform to standardise data flows, better track progress after discharge and identify gaps in care at an early stage.
The regional government links follow-up care to prevention goals: alongside clinical pathways, primary care, school networks and social services are to be more closely involved to address risk factors early. Key concerns include staffing resources and pressure on A&E departments; the health administration is relying on standardised procedures to make the additional workload manageable. Forecasts of effectiveness remain cautious: the hoped-for decline in further attempts depends on consistent implementation, adequate staffing and regional coordination.
Editor: Clara Simonichek (Article created with AI assistance).