Almost 70 per cent of Lanarkshire youngsters struggling with their mental health are waiting more than 18 weeks to begin treatment.And almost one third of those who were referred Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were rejected.These staggering statistics were described by one Lanarkshire MSP as a “catastrophic failure” on the part of the Scottish Government.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.
Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Labour list MSP Mark Griffin told Lanarkshire Live : “Young people have been hit hard by the pandemic and, as a result, we know that many young people are dealing with mental health issues. “Despite this, the SNP government has failed to properly re-mobilise CAMHS services.“This is especially evident in Lanarkshire, with almost one in three CAMHS referrals being rejected and a staggering 68 per cent of patients waiting longer than the target time to begin treatment.“This has to end – the Minister for Mental Wellbeing must take action now to sort this situation out and ensure that our young people get access to the support they need, as quickly as possible.”CAMHS statistics published on March 15, have shown that across Scotland 10,452 children and young people were waiting on treatment at the end of December 2021, including 1,887 in Lanarkshire.Nationally, 23 per cent of CAHMS referrals were