The Scottish Government’s own targets set out that 90% of people should start their psychological therapy treatment within 18 weeks of referral.
Despite this, recent data published by Public Health Scotland shows that in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, 39% of patients are not seen within this time.
Ayrshire MSP Sharon Dowey is calling on Humza Yousaf to ramp up support for NHS Ayrshire and Arran to ensure patients were seen within the target waiting time.
Commenting, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Sharon Dowey said:
“Considering the current mental health crisis, it’s really worrying to see patients in Ayrshire and Arran waiting far longer than eighteen weeks for an appointment.
“In June, 66 patients were recorded waiting longer than 11 months for an appointment. This is beyond unacceptable, and it will only harm patients who have reached out for help for their mental health.
“The SNP say that they’ve made mental health a priority, using slogans such as ‘ask once, get help fast’. Looking at the stats, this just isn’t the case for many across Ayrshire and the rest of Scotland.
“Humza Yousaf must ramp up support for mental health if we’re to see real change in NHS Ayrshire and Arran. We need to see an increase in recruitment and resources if people are to receive the help they need when they need it”.
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