Cara Hunter has spoken of sitting with someone who was ‘severely suicidal’ but unable to access treatment upon triage in the Western Trust because they didn’t live in the geography.

The SDLP MLA raised her personal experience over the weekend at Stormont on Monday.

"Once they reached triage, they were informed that, because they do not currently live in the Western Trust area, they would not be able to access support or be admitted.

"Upon that happening, I realised that, sadly, that is a much bigger issue and that many people have faced the same challenges due to the trust area in which they live and the A&E at which they present,” she said.

She asked the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to ‘take that lived experience back to your Department so that there is an understanding of the fact that people who experience acute suicidality need help exactly where they are and at that exact moment’

Mr. Nesbitt replied: “I am unaware of the individual case, and I am unaware that that is something that occurs in Health and Social Care (HSC) delivery, so I will take it away.”

Help and support is available.

Minding Your Head at http://www.mindingyourhead.info

Lifeline – a free 24-hour crisis helpline for people who are experiencing distress or despair, where trained counsellors will listen and help immediately on the phone. Call: 08088088000. Textphone: 1800108088088000. http://www.lifelinehelpline.info

Samaritans – a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout UK and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline or online chat. Freephone 116 123. Telephone: 03300945717 local call charges apply. https://www.samaritans.org/