South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has demanded action on ‘unacceptable’ waits for CAMHS services.

Statistics published last week have shown that almost 2,000 young people have waited over a year for treatment across Scotland, despite the SNP government aiming to treat 95% of those referred within 18 weeks.

The statistics show a huge number of children and young people were waiting for CAMHS services at the 30^th of September across the south of Scotland, with many waiting over the government’s own 18 week time limit (see tables below).

The local MSP has said that these unacceptable waits must end if we are to avoid a lost generation of young people in our region.

Colin Smyth said: “We are risking a lost generation of young people experiencing mental health issues.

“We cannot have the young people of the south of Scotland being failed and put in danger due to the failure of the SNP.

“Our region deserves so much better.

“On behalf of the young people of my constituency, I call on the Health Secretary to take immediate action to ensure everyone gets the treatment that they need swiftly.”