7-month wait for child mental health services, says Health Minister

The average waiting time for the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) on Island is 217 days (7+ months).

That's the admission from Health Minister Lawrie Hooper after being questioned by MHK Tim Glover in Tynwald this week.

When pressed about waiting times, the Minister claimed the average waiting time for the community mental health service and the community wellbeing service is just two weeks - alongside the older persons' mental health service which Mr Hooper said stood at three weeks:

Mr Hooper also revealed more than 13,000 people on Island have needed to access mental health services in the last three years.

4,148 people sought help in 2019, 4,469 in 2020 and 4,539 in 2021 - totalling 13,156 in total. 

These figures however do not include those who have sought mental health intervention through access to primary care or third sector organisations. 

3FM has contacted the Health Minister for comment.