Mind Cymru responds to Betsi Cadwaladr report into mental health services
A report into mental health services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has described them as 'not fit for purpose'.
Sara Moseley, Director of Mind Cymru, said:
“Betsi Cadwaladr UHB have a duty to people in North Wales to publish this report in full and say what will be done about the terrible difficulties people in the north are having in getting the right psychological treatment when they need it.
“This report shows that waiting times for talking therapies at Betsi Cadwaladr UHB are simply not acceptable. Our own research shows that there has been a growing demand for mental health services over the past few years and it is clear that people’s needs are not being met. Talking therapies are a vital component in treating people with mental health problems and play an important part in preventing them reaching crisis.
“The staff at Betsi Cadwaladr are doing the best they can with the resources available to them, but the Welsh Government’s 26-week target for access to talking therapies is already too long and so it is disappointing that Betsi Cadwaladr UHB is failing to meet them. We believe Welsh Government should reduce these targets and work closely with Health Boards to ensure they are delivering for people with mental health problems.
“Welsh Government committed to publishing waiting times for access to talking therapies in all Health Boards from April 2019, yet no figures have been published to date and it is clear these targets are not being met.
“We would expect the Welsh Government to work closely with Local Health Boards to ensure any additional funding for improving talking therapies reduces waiting times and ensures those of us with mental health problems are able to access the support we need.”
