The latest ISD Scotland figures have shown that NHS Borders has the worst average Child and Adolescent Mental Health Waiting Time in Scotland, totalling 22 weeks.
In the quarter ending March 2019 (latest figures), the majority of children and young people (60%) were not seen within the Scottish Government target of 18 weeks. Only 40% were seen within the target time.
A maximum wait of 18 weeks from a patient’s referral to treatment for specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) was set as a standard for the NHS to deliver from December 2014.
Mental health conditions can be more detrimental for children and young people, as they can affect exam results, schoolwork and friendships at a crucial age.
Ms Hamilton has raised the issue of poor mental health waiting times before, and believes the Scottish Government must assist NHS Borders to help them to meet targets.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“The latest mental health figures are concerning, and the provision of mental health services for young people across the Borders has been left wanting.
“Every quarter we see more children and young people not being seen on time, with the average wait now approaching 6 months, the worst figure out of all the health boards in Scotland.
“There has been a mental health crisis for young people in the Borders for months now and the complacency of SNP Ministers means that young people are suffering without the access to the support they need.
“Our mental health professionals do a fantastic job with the resources they are given especially in early intervention, however specialist services need more support and it’s time the SNP stopped letting them down.
“We simply cannot go on like this, especially when it comes to young people’s mental health which can impact on their future success in jobs, education and everyday life”.