Press Release

Correctional staff stop inmate attempting self-harm
    

     Officers of the Correctional Services Department stopped an inmate from attempting self-harm at Lo Wu Correctional Institution this morning (October 15).

     At around 8am today, the 39-year-old female inmate was found to have scratch marks on her left wrist. She was believed to have harmed herself out of distress using the arm of her broken spectacles. Her injuries were minor.

     To avoid further self-harm, on-site officers sent her immediately to the centre hospital for observation and treatment. She was subsequently transferred to Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre for assessment and counselling.  

     A spokesman for the department said, "The department has been using all possible measures to prevent people in its custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

     The inmate was serving a 21-month sentence for an offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Ends/Monday, October 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:24

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