THE GREYSTEEL MASSACRE - THE LOCAL EFFECT ON THE PREVALENCE OF ADMISSIONS WITH OVERDOSE

Objective: To explore the nature of the relationship between the Greys teel massacre and the low number of admissions with overdose to the ar ea general hospital in the following week. Method: Ward records over a ten year period were examined for seasonal and yearly trends for admi ssion with overdose. Results: In the two year period surrounding the w eek following the Greysteel massacre there were no similar periods of low admission with overdose. Conclusion: A direct relationship between the Greysteel massacre and the ensuing dearth of admissions with over dose seems likely.