Youth mental health referrals expected to rise 60% over 3 years in Barnsley
It's according to a local health chief
A 60 percent increase in in referrals to child and adolescent mental health services is expected over the next three years as a result of Covid-19, according to a Barnsley health chief.
Nick Mapstone, non-executive director and senior independent director at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust told a board of directors meeting on August 5 that a rise in demand on mental health services would have a “knock on effect” on the hospital.
“It’s really important we don’t underestimate the importance of mental health services and the demand which are going to hit mental health services and have a knock-on impact on our hospital,” he told the meeting.
“I’ve seen some modelling data which is anticipating over the next three years, because of the fall-out from the pandemic, there is going to be a 60 per cent increase in referrals to child and adolescent mental health services, and 40 per cent increase in referrals into the adult mental health services
“This will have a really important impact on us.
“We really need to be aware of the enormous wave of demand which is going to hit us.”
NHS England is currently consulting on five new waiting time guarantees, which aim to improve patient access to mental health services.
Under the new proposals, patients of all ages requiring urgent care receive support by community mental health crisis teams, within 24 hours of a referral.
Those in need of the most urgent care will get help within four hours, and mental health liaison services will also be set up for patients in emergency departments.
Patients referred from emergency departments will be seen face to face within one hour by someone from the mental health liaison or children and young people ‘s equivalent service.