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

The Scottish Government’s standard is of 90 per cent of young people to commence treatment for specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health services within 18 weeks of referral.

According to figures released last week, NHS Borders saw just 29 per cent treated in that time, with 34 per cent waiting between 36 and 52 weeks.

Colin Smyth said: “The figures for NHS Borders continue to be deeply worrying. For far too long young people in the area have been let down by having to wait for too long for such vital support.

“I’ve met with the health board to discuss the action they are taking, especially to tackle the longest waits. While this won’t bring down the 18 week waiting time figures in the short term, I hope the work they are doing ends the longest waits and we then start to see better progress to meet this target, as too many young people are still not getting the help they need, when they need it.

“We cannot have the young people of the Scottish Borders being failed and put in danger due to the actions of the SNP.

“We are risking a lost generation of young people experiencing mental health issues. 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.”