Question reference: S6W-27134
- Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 30 April 2024
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 8 May 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Change Mental Health report, The Rural Divide: The Realities of Mental Healthcare for Children and Young People in Rural Scotland, on mental health services in rural areas.
Answer
The Scottish Government acknowledges this report and we recognise that people in rural areas can experience particular challenges in relation to their mental health and wellbeing.
We also recognise that CAMHS performance still varies across Health Boards, and we are committed to supporting rural mental health services to develop their workforce, increase service provision and will provide tailored support to those Boards with the longest waits to ensure that those who need care can receive it in a timely manner.
We continue to work closely with all Boards to support them to meet the standard that 90% of patients begin treatment for CAMHS within 18 weeks of referral. This includes regularly engaging with remote and rural Boards and providing them with access to professional advice.