Early psycho-social assessment of overdose patients in a casualty department.

In response to the very large number of patients presenting at the Casualty Department of the Alfred Hospital, Melbouren, following suicidal acts, a Psycho-Social Assessment Clinic employing a crisis intervention model was established in 1970. This communication outlines the structure and functions of the Clinic, describes 100 consecutive new patients seen over a four month period in 1974 and emphasises the benefits to both patients and hospital arising from the operation of such a Clinic.