but today brought some positive news. The Children’s Mental Health waiting time target has been met for the first time in its 10 year history.
By Professor John Robertson OBA
STV last night opened with the above. After some time with the minister we see a long interview, right to the end, with Dr Becky Howie, a private sector consultant, with her own business – maldodlife.co.uk – to hear:
and to doubt the validity of the stats, all on her own commercial self.
Why has STV not asked someone at the frontline in NHS Scotland?
Also, why has STV not reported this?
From Public Health Scotland, two days ago:
90.6% of children and young people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral, which is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter ending December 2023. The Scottish Government standard which states that 90% of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS was achieved.
4,362 children and young people were waiting to start treatment at quarter ending December 2024 which is an increase of 3.1% (131) compared to 4,231 in the previous quarter1
Isn’t there an important fact here about the long term service – it has always treated more than 70% on, time, has been improving for years and almost hit the target in the last quarter? Isn’t this news more useful than the musings of one private consultant? Is she known/related to STV staff? Easy to get in? No research required?
I didn’t expect STV to care but what’s the situation in England?
The Children’s Commissioner report for 2023-2024 is due this month but last year it was only 72% seen within 52 weeks! 2
Remember, that 18% difference means thousands seen on time in Scotland and hundreds of thousands not seen on time in England.
Sources:
- https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs-waiting-times/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs-waiting-times-quarter-ending-december-2024/
- https://assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wpuploads/2024/03/Childrens-mental-health-services-22-23_CCo-final-report.pdf
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
Her website shows that she specialises on menopause issues so why was she invited to give her opinions on the mental health of children? Link to website: About – Maldod Life
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As far as STV is concerned, she is a ‘top’ mental health ‘expert’, and just the kind of person they can rely on to ‘slam’ the Scottish Government.
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These propaganda reports by the ”Scottish media” dae ma heid in , so they dae !
Will Dr Becky help me – for free !
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Unionist councils should spend monies on local council health services. Early assessment and diagnosis for people on the spectrum. Save vast sums down the line. A much needed investment. For health, and mental health niceties and worries.
Unionist councils are stopping diagnosis for adults. There is a waiting list for children. The Scottish Gov policy is people should be tested. People should stop voting unionist so the situation could improve.
Unionist councils building too many empty shops and offices. Instead of schools and houses. Wasting monies instead of investing in health care for the future and following guidelines. Wasting public monies,
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CANCEL THE LICENCE TO BROADCAST
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