The SNP are continuing to let down young people when it comes to mental health services, according to local Scottish Conservative candidate Jamie Greene.
Latest Scottish Government figures reveal only 76 per cent of children and young people are being treated for mental health problems within 18 weeks when the SNP’s own benchmark is 90 per cent. During the quarter ending December 2015, the 18 week standard was met by only five out of 14 health boards.
It means some children and young people have to wait more than six months to receive treatment from specialist child and adolescent mental health service.
Statistics from ISD Scotland also show there are currently around 60 posts vacant within Child and Adolescent Mental Health services in Scotland.
Jamie Greene said that “Adequate resources should have been put in place long before now and obviously they are struggling with the 18 week target. Children and adolescents suffering from mental health problems and their parents deserve better from the Scottish Government. Instead of obsessing about a second referendum, the SNP need to be sorting out the job in hand and ensure that our young people are given the diagnosis they need as well as appropriate treatment for mental health issues.”