Children facing wait for mental health services

Children wait an average of 90 days for mental health support in Melksham

Children in Wiltshire are waiting longer for mental health services than young people in the rest of England, according to a new report.

The percentage of county children in need of mental health services seen within four weeks of referral is lower than the national average of 61%.

In Marlborough the figure was 52%, in Salisbury 43% and the lowest was in Melksham at 36%.

The report is set to be discussed by Wiltshire Council’s cabinet on 8 October.

According to the report, record levels of children being referred into mental health services is a national issue which is reflected in the current demand in Wiltshire.

The report requests that the cabinet approves a three-year extension to the jointly commissioned Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) with Bath and north east Somerset and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), provided by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Wiltshire Council contributes £518,000 a year on the CAMHS contract, with the ICB contributing £18,341,991, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report stated: “The CAMHS service is an essential part of the continuum of support for families and it is understood that the current service is not delivering a high-quality service consistently.

“Throughout the extension period Wiltshire Council commissioners will be holding the provider to account and ensure data is reported and performance challenged."