Jeane Freeman: CAMHS referral system ‘completely unacceptable’

New health secretary Jeane Freeman has branded the system of referring young people to mental health services “completely unacceptable”.

An investigation into rising numbers of rejected referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has revealed many young people are not being given adequate explanations for their refusal or being directed to alternative support services.

The report by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and NHS stats body Information Services Division (ISD) was commissioned in March 2017 after figures revealed tens of thousands of young people had had their referrals rejected by NHS Scotland.

Freeman has announced a £5m CAMHS taskforce to address the issue, led by mental health expert Dr Dame Denise Coia.

“Demand on mental health services is growing but far too many young people are being turned away from help or waiting too long to be seen,” Freeman said.

“This report finds that, while CAMHS may not be the right path for some of those referred, young people are being rejected from treatment without proper explanation or being directed to more appropriate care. That is completely unacceptable.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton called the audit “a real shocker” and called for swift action.

“When families realise there is a problem and take the brave step to try to get help they deserve better,” he said.

“Young people must not be left in limbo, unsure about where they can get help.

“The new mental health minister needs to tackle this. She also needs to set out new safeguards so that people do not fall in the gap between services when they reach the age of 18."