How long is the waiting list for CAMHS?

The routine waiting list varies according to whether the case is on the mental health list of the Paediatric Neurodevelopmental list.
Mental health cases are usually offered an initial appointment within 18 weeks of referral.
Paediatric Neurodevelopmental cases are currently waiting in excess of 18 months from referral to first appointment.

What are the waiting times for CAMHS initial appointments?

See above for information on routine referrals.
Emergency and urgent cases (as assessed by service) are seen much more quickly – in some cases on the same day or within a few days of referral.
Some teams within the service (eg Eating disorders team, CAMHS response team) have specific remits to respond quickly to the most risky presentations.

How long is the wait between assessment and starting treatment?

All clinicians undertaking initial assessment appointments (ITA), aim to incorporate some elements of treatment in this first appointment.
If the case is moving on to a different clinician for more specific treatment, we aim to begin this treatment within the next 4-6 weeks.

Why does it take so long from beginning of Neurodevelopmental assessment trough to diagnosis then follow up report?

There is insufficient capacity to allow this process to operate as efficiently as we would like.
Current improvement work and purchase of additional external capacity is being pursued in attempts to improve this patient journey.

Why are some children seen quickly whilst others wait much longer?

There are different waits for mental health and paediatric neurodevelopmental streams.
In all cases, allocation for prioritised appointments, are made on the basis of clinical need and clinical risk.
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