By Rhiannon Muise

Families in Northern Ireland are waiting over nine weeks for a CAMHS (Child and adolescent mental health services) Mental Health assessment, according to new figures.

Statistics released by the Department of Health (DoH) show that children in the Western Trust area are waiting over nine weeks for a mental health assessment. The figure has increased by more than a third (40%) year on year in contrast to other areas. Corresponding figures for the Northern Trust area showed a decrease of almost two thirds (62%).

The Southern trust achieved a total of zero people waiting over nine weeks. Belfast HSC and South Eastern Trust is exempt from the final statistics due to the roll out of Encompass. Encompass is a new health and social care initiative in Northern Ireland. It is aiming to introduce an electronic care record for every person in the region.

A DoH spokesperson said “The rollout affected the Northern Irish total of patients awaiting to receive the assessment.”

This means that many people haven’t been included in the statistics.

According to a previous survey, by Ulster University Belfast in 2020. The research showed “that half of adult mental health disorders develop before the age of eighteen.”

Despite figures improving in some trusts, Diane Dodds MLA, Assembly spokesperson for health said “The executive was not to be blamed but it was a matter of prioritisation within the Department of Health.

“The number of young people already under the care or awaiting mental health services are enormous, and the waiting times are frustrating.

“At such a key period in young people’s lives, when they may be continuing to grow and develop, it is important they are assessed and treated quickly. Early intervention can help resolve issues which have the potential to become lifelong ones.

“Some young people may be waiting for assessment for autism or ADHD for example,” she said.

Mental health champion Professor Siobhan O’Neill has previously said that the lack of investment in the Mental Health Strategy was disappointing. The Department of Health had only invested £9m in the strategy. A firm grip needed to be taken on the strategy by the Minister with concerted effort on its actions.

She said: “The Public Accounts Committee made recommendations to the Department of Health last year on mental health, only a few of which have been acted upon.

“I am seeking further information from the Minister regarding the exact numbers on waiting lists for a first assessment for child and adolescent mental health in each Trust area.”

For free advice on mental health support in NI call Samaritans charity on 0845 790 9090. An adult concerned about the mental health of a child can call Young Minds charity on 0800 018 2138. For more information on CAMHS visit https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs/.