Question reference: S6W-06612
- Asked by: Carol Mochan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 22 February 2022
-
Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 4 March 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported findings of a Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland survey that suggest that the demand for specialist mental health care has significantly increased among children and young people.
Answer
We know that the pandemic has been exceptionally difficult for the mental health and wellbeing of many children, young people and their families, and that there has been increased pressure on mental health services as a result of this.
As part of our £120 million Mental Health Recovery and Renewal Fund, we have made an additional £40 million available this year to improve CAMHS and to clear waiting list backlogs by March 2023. Long waits are unacceptable and we remain committed to meet the standard that 90% of patients start treatment within 18 weeks of referral. We are directing support to those Boards with the longest waiting lists to clear backlogs by March 2023 and are monitoring progress closely.
Additionally, in our NHS Recovery Plan we have committed to provide sufficient funding for around 320 additional staff in CAMHS over the next 5 years. This will have the potential to increase capacity for CAMHS cases by over 10,000.
We have also provided an additional £15 million to local authorities this year to deliver locally based mental health and wellbeing support for 5-24 year olds in their communities, providing alternative treatment options and pathways to CAMHS and ensured access to counselling support services in all secondary schools.