THERE has been a major increase in number of young people and adults waiting for mental health services, new figures reveal.
Figures obtained by Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler show that the number of young patients who waited longer than the recommended nine-week target for access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Camhs) has risen by more than 600 per cent in the past 12 months.
At the end of March last year 66 children fell outside the recommended waiting time compared to 487 at the end of March 2019.
The number of adults waiting longer than the nine-week target for access mental health services more than doubled from 648 at the end of March last year to 1,529 on the corresponding date this year.
Mr Butler said the figures pointed to a "major shortage of capacity within the local system".
"Of the 487 young people waiting longer than the maximum allowed period of nine weeks, 294 were routine referrals for those who are experiencing mild/moderate mental health difficulties, and a further 179 were for those requiring support for more complex needs," he said.
"Approximately one in five adults here have a mental health problem at any one time, but what is sometimes overlooked is the fact that so too do around 45,000 children and young people."
The Lagan Valley MLA said the figures highlighted the need for Stormont's parties to "get their act together and agree the immediate restoration of the assembly".
