Scottish mental health service treats most children within four months

Statistics released today by the Information Services Department (ISD) in Scotland show that for the three months ending on 30 June, 87 per cent of children were seen within 18 weeks and 97 per cent within 26 weeks.

During the quarter almost 4,000 children and young people started treatment. Half started their treatment within seven weeks.

The figure is up slightly on the previous quarter when 96 per cent were seen within 26 weeks. Today is the first time that the 18-weeks data has been published.

Sarah Brennan, chief executive of the charity YoungMinds, said the findings were impressive.

"It is very encouraging that Scotland has got the stats to hand and know what the situation is," she said.

"I hope England follows suit as quickly as possible."

Ann Hagell, research lead at the Association of Young People's Health, said the figures showed "what can be done".

In March the Scottish Government introduced a target for NHS Scotland of 90 per cent of children receiving CAMHS support within 26 weeks of referral.

This target will reduce to 18 weeks from December 2014.

Separate ISD statistics released today show that the number of staff working in CAMHS in Scotland has increased in the past year.

At the end of June this year there were 922.2 equivalent full-time posts, compared to 872.1 at the end of June 2012 – a 5.7 per cent increase.