Call for report on mental ill health waiting times

Youngsters’ needs must be monitored

Fife’s health chiefs have ordered an urgent report into why so many children are waiting too long for mental health treatment.

NHS Fife’s finance and resource committee wants to monitor how the needs of the significant number of youngsters referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are met.

The move follows the publication of new figures revealing almost 30% of children in need of help had to wait more than 18 weeks at the start of this year.

The Scottish Government has set a target stating at least 90% of clients will be seen within that time.

In the three months to the end of April, just 71.8% were treated in the target time. Initiatives have been introduced in a bid to improve performance,

“We’ve asked for further information and discussion on what has been put in place to address help for people at earlier stages. RONA LAING

with extra staff brought in in February to focus on those waiting the longest.

Concern has also been expressed about the length of time adults are waiting for psychological therapies, with just 65.4% seen within the target time between February and April.

The overall waiting list is continuing to rise and, while those with less complex needs are seen quickly, people with complex issues requiring longerterm treatment have to wait longer.

The board expects to see significant improvements later this year, however, as the impact of service redesign is felt.

Rona Laing, chairwoman of the finance, performance and resources committee, said: “We’ve asked for further information and discussion on what has been put in place to address help for people at earlier stages.”

Board chairwoman Tricia Marwick added: “Can we get some assurance that a report will come to the next finance, performance and resources committee to allow us to monitor what’s happening and what the trajectory is?”

Mrs Marwick said the report should be produced “as a matter of urgency”.

Mrs Marwick called for the report as a matter of urgency.