Local MSP Jenny Young has welcomed a Scottish Government Minister’s “frank admission" that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and neurodevelopmental services must improve under NHS Forth Valley.

Scottish Minister for Mental Wellbeing Maree Todd wrote to the Scottish Labour MSP about services in Forth Valley and how they would be impacted under the government’s current plans to reform health boards.

In her letter, the minister admitted the performance of CAMHS in Forth Valley has “declined” and that some children and young people were “waiting too long” for mental health support.

The letter stated: “Officials are working closely with the health board to understand the reasons for the decline and to understand the recovery measures it has put in place.

Central Scotland MSP Jenny Young wants the waiting times to go down (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — Central Scotland MSP Jenny Young wants the waiting times to go down (Picture: Submitted)

"We will continue to monitor progress closely and expect the Board to take the necessary action to restore performance and reduce waiting times for children and young people.”

MSP Jenny Young has repeatedly highlighted the long waits young people are experiencing for CAMHS and the Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Service in NHS Forth Valley. She said: “I appreciate the Minister’s frank admission that these services for young people in NHS Forth Valley must improve. We know that people are waiting too

long for both CAMHS and PNDS but what we need now is action, not more words from the government that tries to explain the issue rather than tackle it.

“I also welcome the Minister’s confirmation that her officials are working closely with the health board to understand why CAMHS performance has declined and what can be done to remedy that.

“I will be closely monitoring the progress that they make and pushing for improvements.”