We are listening - Responding to the needs of young people

 

Jim

I’m the Service Manager for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and Paediatric Services.

NHS Lanarkshire CAMHS have worked hard to improve access to services since the inception of the national referral to treatment target in 2012. Despite difficulties at times recruiting from a small group of specialist staff, we have maintained lower waiting times than the Scottish average. To achieve this CAMHS follow the national strategy in relation to service delivery using a tiered model of care.

To ensure that young people and their families with the greatest need get access to services quickly, CAMHS works with other universal and targeted services to support each other and to build capacity. This ensures young people can be supported at the appropriate level and not have to wait to see higher tier specialist services, where perhaps some pupil support or youth counselling would be a more appropriate and sufficient support.

Services have also been developed in the area of early intervention including parenting groups and a group work programme for children experiencing Bereavement and Loss. These initiatives support families and young people early and to try and prevent problems developing.

An example of where targeting specialist services at those families and young people where early quick intervention can prevent more serious issues developing is reflected in this Care Opinion feedback received in June 2017:

‘My son had excellent service from being referred to CAMHS by our local GP in Strathaven and had an appointment within 9 days of that initial appointment. The first appointment at CAMHS was an assessment by a mental health nurse and a trainee psychologist and a diagnosis of psychosis was given. Blood tests were run before a second appointment 5 days later which was an assessment by our consultant psychiatrist. Within 3 days my son was on medication. Due to the quick referral from our GP and CAMHS fast response, the instant diagnosis of psychosis and the swift prescription of medication this has meant my son has been able to cope with his mental illness and have a good quality of life.’

We are committed to providing safe and effective person-centred care for all young people accessing our service as well as ensuring families are involved and supported.

If you have an experience of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Care Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk