A Lanarkshire MSP has written to the Mental Health Minister is calling for action to tackle neurodevelopment assessment waiting times.
Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson, is calling on Kevin Stewart MSP to address the delays facing young people in need of a neurodevelopment assessment.
This letter comes after Mr Simpson raised a local constituent’s case on this issue at the Scottish Parliament back in April.
She was told her son may have to wait 21 months to see a community paediatrician before joining the regional waiting list for an assessment, which is currently between two and three years.
Following his question, he met with a group of parents from across the region who shared their experiences.
He and the co-signatories - Lanarkshire families - are asking for a fresh review of the current waiting list to be conducted.
They are also calling on the Scottish Government to provide NHS Lanarkshire with additional investment to reduce waiting times, support third party community groups and expand the CAMHS workforce.
In the letter Mr Simpson said: “Having spoken to parents about this, I am of the belief comprehensive action needs to be taken as soon as possible.
“Principally, 0-18 year olds in Lanarkshire are waiting much longer for an assessment than their peers in alternative health boards.
“Sadly, these delays are forcing Lanarkshire residents to give up on the NHS and look for alternative treatment. Some families have resorted to exploring private healthcare options at great expense.
“Parents have also shared their concerns about staffing levels within Lanarkshire’s CAMHS department – with many reporting lengthy enquiry response times, administrative errors, and poor communication.
“Clearly, a more dynamic and supportive plan is needed. It is my view that the Scottish Government must lead on this in conjunction with the Health and Social Care Partnership.
“I would appreciate it if you could confirm what plans the Scottish Government has to work with NHS Lanarkshire to reduce these waiting times."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are committed to supporting autistic people and more than £3m has been allocated for the remainder of this year to help NHS boards build professional capacity and support children and young people with neurodevelopmental support needs.
“Separately, we have established the National Autism Implementation Team, in partnership with Queen Margaret University, to support the redesign of autism diagnostic services.
"The Team is working with NHS boards to examine diagnostic pathways for autism and establish regional experts.”
Mhairi Ward, service manager from NHS Lanarkshire, said: "Our child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), like health and care services across the country, continue to experience unprecedented levels of pressure.
"Those with the most clinical need, high risk and urgent cases continue to be seen as a priority and do not go on a waiting list.
"Although there are currently long waiting lists, all referrals are vetted on a daily basis by senior clinical decision makers and all urgent referrals are allocated clinical assessment appointments within two weeks of referral, many within 48 hours of referral.
"The service continues to receive very high levels of urgent referrals and we ensure a safe and responsive clinical service is provided in all these circumstances.
“NHS Lanarkshire has recently approved CAMHS waiting list initiative clinics to meet the demands of the service and reduce waiting times for children, young people and their families."
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