For immediate release

The MSP for Rutherglen Constituency, Clare Haughey has welcomed what she described on “encouraging progress” on waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

The latest Public Health Scotland statistics show that across Scotland over 90.6% of children and young people referred to the service were seen within 18 weeks from October to December 2024 – the Scottish Government national standard is 90%.  The figure is an increase from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.  In NHS Lanarkshire, 90.8% of referrals were seen within the national waiting times standard between October and December.  

Reducing CAMHS waiting times was named by the Scottish Government as a key priority in this year’s Programme for Government.  The Programme announced over £120 million of additional funding for NHS Boards to support continued improvements across a range of mental health services and treatments, including meeting the CAMHS waiting times standard.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“This progress on reducing waiting times could not have been achieved without the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people who they care for.

“We all want to ensure children and young people get the mental health support they need when they need it. So, it’s very encouraging to hear that now over 90% of referrals in NHS Lanarkshire are meeting the national waiting times standard, and that significant progress has been made of the course of a year.

“Of course, behind each statistic is an individual young person and their family, so there is still more to be done to make sure they can access timely support and treatment.

“However, it’s clear that we are on the right path, and the £120 million of additional funding which health boards are receiving this year from the Scottish Government will mean the quality and delivery of these crucial mental health services will continue to improve.”

ENDS