MORE than 100 West Dunbartonshire residents took their own lives over eight years - but most never called the NHS for help.

A total of 60.8 per cent of those who died between 2011 and 2018 had no contact with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service or out-of-hours GP services in the year before their deaths.

About a quarter of the 102 lives lost contacted NHS 24 and nearly 30 per cent called the ambulance service, some potentially calling both.

Neighbouring Glasgow had 722 suicides over the same period, with 53.3 per cent not reaching out to emergency services.

East Dunbartonshire had fewer deaths, 82, but a higher rate of those who had no previous contact with urgent NHS or ambulance care at 62.2 per cent.

The study from ISD Scotland is the first of its kind to look at people's previous contact with one of the care services.

It found the 5,982 people living in Scotland who died by suicide in the eight-year-period "were significantly more likely to have had contact with an unscheduled care service in the 12 months before death than members of the general population".

The report notes the highest levels of contact with unscheduled care services were associated with women over 75 who are living in the most economically-deprived areas.

Boys and men between the ages of five and 24 were linked to lower levels of contact with these services, as well as those living in more affluent or remote areas.

The report expresses concern people whose deaths are found to be "definite suicides" rather than "probably suicides" are also less likely to have been in contact with the ambulance service, NHS 24 or out-of-hours GP services.

It adds: "Health service planners will want to consider possible improvements to the organisation, reach and delivery of services targeted at groups at high risk of suicide, while healthcare providers will want to consider improvements to the identification, engagement and effective treatment of individuals in these groups."

The findings led to a call from Scottish Labour for more "joined-up working" between health and social care services, as well as more investment for mental health services.

Mental health minister Clare Haughey cited the suicide prevention action plan, which is receiving £3 million funding over five years and is chaired by former deputy chief constable Rose Fitzpatrick.

"Every suicide is a tragedy with a far-reaching impact on family, friends and communities," she said.

"Suicide prevention is a key priority for the Scottish Government and requires on-going analysis and research.

"Through our Suicide Prevention Action Plan - supported by £3 million funding over the course of the current Parliament - we are working to reduce the rate of suicide in Scotland and are ensuring that those affected by suicide have access to the right support.

"This report represents a significant contribution to the growing evidence base around suicide in Scotland which will inform current and future policy and activity."

Scottish Labour's health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said: "Every death by suicide is a tragedy.

"All of us must get better at listening and talking so that none of us feel alone.

"Reducing mental health stigma needs our collective efforts, proper funding for health and social services, and joined up working so that there is no wrong door."

She added: "Contacts with health and care services can provide opportunities to support people at risk of suicide when they are most vulnerable.

"We cannot allow these opportunities to be missed.

"Across Scotland, mental health and substance use teams need to work more closely, and lengthy waiting times for CAMHS and specialist mental health care must be reduced.

"Investment in suicide prevention should be a public health priority."

The Samaritans can be contacted for free at any time of the day on 116 123.