NHS Lothian failing kids with mental health illnesses
Last updated 7th Mar 2017
Less than half of children in Edinburgh and the Lothians suffering from mental health illnesses are being treated within the recommended waiting time.
New statistics released by NHS Scotland show the health board is only seeing 46% of youngsters within 18 weeks. Instead on average they wait around 21 weeks to be treated.
In 2016, NHS Lothian helped a total of 665 people living with mental health issues.
It's a stark comparison to other health boards across the country, with the likes of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Borders, NHS Highland, NHS Islands boards and NHS Forth Valley all achieving over 90%.
At the end of December 2016 there were over 1,500 young people waiting to be seen by NHS Lothian for mental health problems.