Concerns raised about help for teenagers
provision of these specialist services but we also need to ensure that we have adequate specialist bed numbers that can deal with the requirements should the need arise.”
He pointed to a recent report f rom the Menta l Wel fare Commission which noted that there 103 admissions to nonspecialist mental health wards, involving 90 young people under the age of 18 – an increase from 71 admissions involving 66 young people the previous year.
The spokesman added: “Given the lack of provision, many children and young people with severe mental health problems are therefore being admitted to non- special ist adult and paediatric hospital wards, settings which are in many cases inappropriate for their needs.”
Health boards are required under the Mental Health Act to provide appropriate services and accommodation for young people admitted to hospital for the treatment of a mental disorder.
The spokesman said: “Given admissions to non- specialist mental health wards, it is clearly arguable whether appropriate services are being provided.
“There are a number of differences between specialist units and wards designed to treat the needs of adults with serious mental illness, both in terms of staff training, experience and the overall ward environment.
“There is a clear concern that the needs of a young person may not be met in comparable way when admitted to an adult mental health ward as opposed to a specialist adolescent unit.”
Huntercombe, which provided treatment and support for young people aged 11 to 18 with mental health issues, including eating disorders, started out with 22 beds but was down to 10 at the time of closure, which owners put down to lack of demand.
Valerie Michie, chief executive of The Huntercombe Group, said: “It is with deep regret that we have decided to close the service, which does brilliant work to support vulnerable young people.
“Unfortunately, over the years there has not been sufficient demand to keep the service open.
“The wellbeing of the young people in our care is our priority and we worked with social work and health teams to ensure patients and their families were supported while arrangements were made for alternative care provision that is appropriate to their needs.”