‘Scandal’ of long wait for mental help

ALMOST a quarter of patients with a mental health problem are waiting more than three months to see an NHS specialist.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists said long waits for care “have been deemed acceptable” but are leading to big personal problems for patients.

RCP head Prof Wendy Burn said: “It’s a scandal patients are waiting so long for treatment.”

A poll of 500 found 24% had at least a three-month wait, while more than one in 20 waited for a year.

Staff shortages are being blamed for the delays.

The college is urging medical students to specialise in mental health.