Our young people are being failed by a lack of provision in mental health services. Waiting lists are exceeding the Quality Care Commission’s target of 18 weeks for the start of treatment through CAMHS for children with mental health issues. There is a national shortage of beds in youth mental health wards across the country, causing children with severe difficulties to be placed in acute children’s wards and not getting the treatment they need. Thus being discharged home only to return again. As you can see this is not only impacting the child’s health and their families, but also costing the NHS more money where those acute beds are being used improperly.
Every hospital in the country needs a ward for children and adolescents with mental health issues where they can be monitored and looked after safely to prevent the unsafe discharge home. This would prevent shortages and families needing to travel many miles to visit their child. They also need the initial treatment within the 18 week timeframe to prevent the deterioration of their mental health.