Children rejected for mental health care
Anger as NHS knock back hundreds of referrals
Shocking statistics have revealed that more than 1000 struggling youngsters had their referral for mental health support rejected by NHS Lanarkshire.
The health board refused 1050 referrals, more than one in four, from GPS and education professionals for mental health support and treatment in the past year – a figure higher than the Scottish average.
The publication of the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service record comes at the same time as a new government publication revealed as many as 616 men and women died by suicide in Lanarkshire between 2011 and 2017.
MSP for Central Scotland Richard Leonard believes the system is failing children and young people at a time when they are most in need.
He said: “It is deeply worrying to see so many young people having their referral to the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services rejected despite a professional taking the decision that they need support.
“More than one in three people will suffer mental illness during their lifetime.
“Therefore it is essential that we get the right support at the right time to those experiencing poor mental health.”
A referral is usually made when a child or young person has difficulties with their emotional or behavioural health.
On top of those who have their referral rejected, 1665 young people had to wait longer than the Scottish Government’s 18-week guarantee to see a specialist.
Mr Leonard is concerned failure to take action now could result in longer term health problems and called on NHS Lanarkshire to review their policies.
He said: “It’s important that NHS Lanarkshire make mental health a priority.
“Failure to do so will only escalate the severity of the problem for some of the most vulnerable people in this community.
“This is why I am calling on NHS Lanarkshire to review their policy which has led to over one thousand young people being unable to see a specialist over the last 12 months.”
Jim Murray, CAMHS service manager, explained that rejected referrals relate to access to a higher tier of support, where a request to a healthcare professional or to an organisation is not deemed appropriate following assessment by a senior clinician or a consultant psychiatrist.
In these situations the young person would be sign posted to a tier one service, such as a GP visit, for support.
Mr Murray said: “There has been a 50 per cent increase in referrals to the Lanarkshire CAMHS since 2012, and on-going recruitment challenges across all disciplines in CAMHS.
“NHS Lanarkshire currently has a slightly higher vacancy rate than the national average.
“Urgent referrals have also doubled in the last year as has attendances in A&E of young people with emotional health problems.”
Mr Murray added: “We continue to take steps to improve CAMHS such as supporting colleagues in education and primary care to offer an early intervention where appropriate to avoid unnecessary escalation to specialist CAMHS.
“Some schools are using the Scottish Attainment Challenge and the Pupil Equity Fund to increase knowledge and capacity to support children.
“Local investment has also led to more children being seen this year month-on-month, since the summer and there are plans to increase the specialist CAMHS workforce further.”