Menu
19/01/2022
Mental Health Services Waiting Times For Children 'Deeply Concerning'
The number of children waiting nine weeks or longer for appointments for mental health services has been described as "deeply concerning".
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn said that the numbers have doubled in a matter of months, and remains at unprecedented levels.
The Minister of Health recently confirmed that the total number of children waiting for a mental health appointment has increased. Those waiting longer than nine weeks has increased from 451 in May to 944 in November.
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Órlaithi Flynn MLA said: "It is deeply concerning that vital mental health services for children and young people continue to be under increasing pressure. The numbers of children on waiting lists numbers are spiralling out of control.
"Children's mental health services and staff provide invaluable support to children and young people in emotional distress and with a range of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
"However, the demand for support and treatment is rapidly outstripping capacity.
"I welcome the fact that the Department has published a Mental Health Action Plan and a new 10-year strategy. I have serious concerns however that in the immediate and short-term staff and services have stretched as far as they can go.
"I have asked the Minister of health if he will make a statement to the Assembly addressing the immediate pressures in children's mental health services and if he has successfully increased funding to at least 10 per cent of the mental health budget."
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn said that the numbers have doubled in a matter of months, and remains at unprecedented levels.
The Minister of Health recently confirmed that the total number of children waiting for a mental health appointment has increased. Those waiting longer than nine weeks has increased from 451 in May to 944 in November.
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Órlaithi Flynn MLA said: "It is deeply concerning that vital mental health services for children and young people continue to be under increasing pressure. The numbers of children on waiting lists numbers are spiralling out of control.
"Children's mental health services and staff provide invaluable support to children and young people in emotional distress and with a range of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
"However, the demand for support and treatment is rapidly outstripping capacity.
"I welcome the fact that the Department has published a Mental Health Action Plan and a new 10-year strategy. I have serious concerns however that in the immediate and short-term staff and services have stretched as far as they can go.
"I have asked the Minister of health if he will make a statement to the Assembly addressing the immediate pressures in children's mental health services and if he has successfully increased funding to at least 10 per cent of the mental health budget."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
26 April 2012
Suicide Awareness Training To Be Introduced To Council Staff
Suicide awareness training is to be introduced for all staff and politicians at Belfast City Council, the Lord Mayor has announced. The new initiative is just one outcome of a community conference hosted at City Hall by Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile.
Suicide Awareness Training To Be Introduced To Council Staff
Suicide awareness training is to be introduced for all staff and politicians at Belfast City Council, the Lord Mayor has announced. The new initiative is just one outcome of a community conference hosted at City Hall by Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile.
09 October 2001
World Mental Health Day helps to dispel myths
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brún, has emphasised the importance of World Mental Health Day which is taking place on 10 October.
World Mental Health Day helps to dispel myths
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brún, has emphasised the importance of World Mental Health Day which is taking place on 10 October.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
