Citation

Ralphs A. Br. J. Gen. Pract. 2014; 64(619): 69-70.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Royal College of General Practitioners)

DOI

10.3399/bjgp14X677004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Bridget Osborne's editorial describing the increased risk of suicide among farmers overlooks the effects of HS2 on the mental health of the rural community. The proposal for HS2 marches on despite an enormous amount of doubt from all quarters. Furthermore the technical report from Temple-ERM regarding the health impact has been superficial to say the least, hidden quietly as Appendix 9 of the HS2 Sustainability Statement and with only 29 references. For example there is no mention in HS2 health assessment policy of the suicide risk of farmers, apparently well known to the government through their Suicide Prevention Policy. Surprisingly, according to the health analysis there is no legislative requirement for health impact assessments with these major projects, something which should sound alarm bells in the corridors of medical and public health colleges and the Department of Health.

Language: en