Rise in children being treated in the wrong wards for poor mental health
The number of children who did not receive specialist care for mental ill health has risen for the first time since 2017.
Increasing numbers of children with poor mental health are being treated in the wrong wards, healthcare experts are warning.
The Mental Welfare Commission says more than half of young people admitted to hospital with severe mental health conditions did not receive specialist care.
Many children ended up in adult mental health wards.
In the year 2021/22 the number of children sent to the wrong wards was 80, up from 62 the year prior.
It's the first time the figure has risen since 2017.
Danger to Vulnerable Children
Margo Fyfe, a senior nurse with the commission, said: “It’s not a huge amount, but it is a rise when the trend had been downward.
“There’s an increase in anorexia, self-harm and anxiety admissions, which may have appeared as a result of the pandemic.
“These children are at their most vulnerable and we must make sure that they’re safe, well cared for and have access to everything they require.
“If they end up in an adult ward they’ll see how adults behave when they’re unwell, and it can be quite traumatic for these young people.”
Differences across Scotland
Out of all of Scotland's health boards, Lanarkshire had the most children admitted to non-specialist care, with 21 young people being sent to the wrong ward.
This was up from 12 the previous year.
Ayrshire and Arran was the only health board where the figure decreased, from 5 admissions to 0.