Conversation so far:
When did Harold Shipman die?
Harold Shipman committed suicide on 13 January 2004, one day prior to his 58th birthday.
How did Harold Shipman die?
Harold Shipman committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell at Wakefield Prison.
What did Harold Shipman do leading up to his death?
Harold Shipman reportedly told his probation officer that he was considering suicide to assure his wife's financial security after he was stripped of his National Health Service (NHS) pension.

Question: Did they do anything to prevent him from trying?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Harold Shipman's probation officer do anything to prevent Shipman from committing suicide?