THE PSYCHIATRIST

We welcomed the recent announcement by the Scottish Government of the Recovery and Renewal Fund, but it is no quick fix. About one in 100 children and young people is still being referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and what we need now is real resources – not cosmetic changes.

It’s no surprise some of our vulnerable young people have been affected by the pandemic and we’ve seen a rise in cases of heightened anxiety, eating disorders and depression.

We’ve seen an increase in those seeking treatment with waiting times increasing substantially. We also continue to see a postcode lottery of spending. Our research this year revealed huge differences in the level of funding on CAMHS between health boards. This needs looked at, so every child and young person is given the best chance of treatment and support wherever they may live.

To meet the Scottish Government’s own target of 90% waiting times by 2023 will require sustained investment. The funding promised is a good start but demand is not keeping up with supply. We need it to be delivered urgently, along with 320 new children and adolescent mental health staff in all areas of services. Young people need to be able to access the right support at the right time from the right services.