Shadow Health Secretary Donald Cameron has said that increasing mental health waiting times for children and young people in the Highlands could have serious implications for the welfare of those concerned.
The Highlands and Islands MSP raised his concerns as new figures indicated that 214 children and young people have been waiting over a year for vital mental health treatment as of December 2020 in the NHS Highland Health Board region. The figure 12 months previously was just 34.
Mr Cameron said: “We know that the lockdown restrictions have had a severe impact on some young people so it really is worrying that the numbers who are waiting for support and treatment have risen. I want to see evidence that ministers in Holyrood recognise the gravity of this and outline how they will support health boards, charities and support organisations in tacking mental health waiting times and drive down these figures."
“Nothing is more important than supporting our young people, many of whom will be worrying about their education and their future prospects."
“We must do everything we can to ensure than no young person is overlooked and left feeling despondent or desperate.”
