NHS urged to "move faster" on new mental unit for kids in Hull

There's concern kids in our region are being put at risk because of delays opening a new mental health unit for children in Hull.

Viking's been told that some children suffering with complex mental health problems are still struggling to access local support and are having to travel hundreds of miles away for treatment because a new facility in Hull still hasn't been built.

Campaigners say it's taking too long to deliver and are today urging the NHS to "move on" with plans to develop the new £7m inpatient unit in the city.

Hull mum, Sally Cullingworth, has been facing 200-mile round trips to Chester to get specialist mental health treatment for her daughter, Maisie, because of a lack of beds here.

Sally told Viking:

"We're still having our young people get sent out of area and their mental health and wellbeing is suffering because of that and families are also being put at risk because they're in a state and having to drive that horrendous journey to see their loved ones.

"Maisie is in crisis and that in itself is exhausting and then you have got that journey and it is just an added pressure what you don't need as a family. Maisie misses home, she wants cuddles and that really does slow down her process of recovery.

"If there had been an inpatient bed here for Maisie, there would have been consistency in care and she would have known the health professionals caring for her, they would have known her and she would be in a different position now to the one she is in".

Hull MP, Emma Hardy, has also raised concerns and says the plans aren't moving forward fast enough and is urging the government to hand over the cash. She told Viking:

"Twice they have promised the money for this unit in Hull and I don't seem to be able to get a concrete answer other than that they are faffing about down there and not actually getting on with the job that we want them to do so that we can get on building it.

"The Trust have got all the planning processes in place, we have got the land and know where it is going to be built and it is just that there seems to be a problem down there in government as to why they are not releasing the money."

The issue will be raised at an event at the Guildhall today and has also been set up to give parents information so that they know where to go for support. Emma said:

"I don't think parents know where they can go for help and advice because I think it is a very muddy picture but one of the other major issues is the under funding of our CAMHS mental health services as there is a great demand but there isn't the money there to pay for it".

The NHS told us it's working as quickly as possible to get the new unit instated. A spokesperson said:

"As with all big capital schemes, securing the appropriate funding can be complex and we continue to work closely with the Trust to ensure the appropriate finances are in place to progress the development as swiftly as possible.”