**Petition Against NHS Tayside’s CAMHS Waiting List Closure and Removal of Patients and the concern that other Scottish NHS Trusts will follow this**

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern regarding NHS Tayside’s decision to close the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting list to new referrals. This decision impacts vulnerable young individuals who are in urgent need of mental health support. Additionally, we question the reported removal of patients who were already on the waiting list—a decision that raises significant ethical and practical concerns.

Mental health services are vital for the wellbeing of children and adolescents, and restricting access to these services exacerbates their struggles and jeopardizes their futures. This action contradicts the principles of equitable and accessible healthcare that NHS Scotland stands for.

We urgently call on NHS Tayside to:
1. Reopen the CAMHS waiting list to new referrals.
2. Provide transparency regarding the criteria and reasons for the removal of individuals from the waiting list.
3. Commit to a plan to address the backlog in CAMHS services, ensuring timely and appropriate care.

We urge NHS Tayside to prioritize the mental health of our young people and to uphold their commitment to accessible healthcare for all. Let us not leave those who need us the most behind.