LIKE Audit Scotland, we too have many concerns regarding the ability of NHS boards to meet waiting-time targets for patients looking to access treatment ("Spending watchdog raises NHS cash fears", The Herald, October 30).
It is estimated that around 10 per cent of children and young people in Scotland have mental health problems that are so significant they impact on their daily lives. Timely access to healthcare is therefore vital.
However, figures indicate that the vast majority of health boards are failing to meet a 26-week waiting time target for treatment from specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) (introduced in March 2013) and are therefore clearly at risk of missing a Scottish Government target of an 18-week waiting time, which comes into force in December, 2014.
In addition, figures published by the Mental Welfare Commission indicate that the number of children being admitted to non-specialist units such as adult and paediatric wards has increased from 177 last year to 202, meaning they may not be getting the support required. It is also worth noting that there is no secure/locked provision in Scotland for under-18s and no units for those with severe learning disabilities. Those with forensic needs or challenging behaviour and learning disability are sometimes sent to units in England.
As the number of referrals increases and the number of child and adolescent psychiatrists falls the cost and impact of mental health conditions have not by and large been reflected by an increased investment in Scottish mental health services.
We are at a crisis point and high-level strategic management is required to make these services fit for purpose. The Scottish Government, local authorities and health boards must act now before this situation gets any worse.
The Scottish Children's Services Coalition, comprising: Sophie Pilgrim, director, Kindred Scotland; Sophie Dow, founder, Mindroom; Tom McGhee, managing director, Spark of Genius; Duncan Dunlop, chief executive, Who Cares? Scotland; Stuart Jacob, director, Falkland House School, Niall Kelly, managing director, Young Foundations,
2 Walker Street, Edinburgh.
WHAT is going to happen to patents waiting for beds when hospital closures planned for 2015 are implemented? We in south-east Glasgow are faced with the downgrading of the Victoria Infirmary and the closure of the Western Infirmary.
J McCall (Letters, October 30) raises the worrying issue of the employment of "bank" nurses. We should expect NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to employ full-time nurses with suitable qualifications.
The Southern General, the largest hospital in Europe, is promoted as the panacea for all ills - that is, if you can get there by public transport,which is not without difficulties, or drive and then find a parking place.
We are faced with a series of traumas waiting to happen.
Margaret Hinds,
Health Service Forum South East,
37 Broomcroft Road, Glasgow.
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