According to the Welsh Government, the waiting time target for Local Primary Mental Health Support Service (LMPHSS) Assessment is 28 days. After finding that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has one of the highest number of patients waiting over 28 days, Janet Finch-Saunders is calling on the Welsh Government to explain what it is doing to help the health board reduce these waiting times.
Janet said:
“Almost every month, from June 2016 to June 2017, BCUHB have succeeded to see the highest number of patients for LMPHSS assessments. However, at exactly the same time, the health board, almost every month, has the highest number of patients waiting over 28 days, and even 56 days for an assessment!
“Clearly, the Welsh Government must do more to support the health board in reducing waiting times for an assessment.
“It cannot be forgotten that the assessment helps establish what treatment or any service might help the patient’s mental health. So for some, a delayed assessment means delayed support, when in fact mental health should be tackled head-on as early as possible”.
ENDS
Notes
A GUIDE FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010
Waiting times for a LPMHSS assessment, by LHB and month
Janet Finch-Saunders AM challenges First Minister over failings on BCUHB
Child Mental Health waiting times up to 26 weeks
The 28 day waiting time target is noted in the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010: National Service Model for Local Primary Mental Health (2011), see p23
Documents
Waiting Times Statistics
Written Assembly Question to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport