SDLP Health Spokesperson, Mark H Durkan MLA, has welcomed NICCY’s Review of mental health support services for children and young people.
He said that the report’s findings echo his own concerns surrounding lengthy waiting times and lack of specialist staff within the health service.
Mr Durkan said he was ‘hopeful’ that this review can further highlight the critical need for increased investment within this area.
The Foyle MLA said: “The Commissioner’s Review has acknowledged the glaring failures and under-investment within mental health services here. It has confirmed what we already knew; that the current system is failing our children.
“Getting the bespoke treatment that children need is proving extremely difficult, if not near impossible.
“Poor mental health is one of the biggest health problems facing our young people today and should be treated as such in terms of investment.
“Current waiting times for mental health specialists are awful and undoubtedly causing families and children added stress.
“In particular, lengthy waiting times in instances of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as learning difficulties are unacceptable.
“The current health system cannot meet demand and instead we are seeing health professionals resorting to medicating our children in the absence of adequate paediatric psychology services.
“It is clear that mental health professionals have gone above and beyond their duty of care for young patients and we should not undermine the great and indeed vital work currently being carried out.
“The blame is not to be laid at the door of Health and Social Care Trusts but by continued under investment by the Department of Health.
“It is not only short-sighted but entirely shocking that a meagre 0.8% of the overall health budget is spent on mental health and wellbeing for children and young people.
“Mental health issues in early years can have long lasting effects.
“We have a duty to act urgently to deliver sufficient specialist mental health care to the younger generation as well as building resilience and promoting good mental health within schools.
“Investment in early years is not just important for the health and well-being of the child but prudent investment by the government for the future,” added Mr Durkan.
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