Trust CEOs warn ‘generation of children’ at risk from failing services

A new report concludes that health services are “failing” children as young people face average waits of a year for an autism diagnosis.

The Care Quality Commission’s annual State of Care report, published today, warned of poor care and specialist staff shortages within providers, alongside “far too long” waits for treatment.

NHS Providers’ deputy CEO Saffron Cordery said trust leaders were “deeply concerned” about meeting demand, particularly in mental health services.

But she added: “Their ability to do so comes against a backdrop of soaring demand, resource pressures and the poor condition of the mental health estate, much of which isn’t fit for purpose.

“A cross-government approach to improving health and wellbeing is vital to protect a whole generation of children and young people at risk of being left behind.”

The CQC has faced two damning reviews of its own, as well as fundamental questions about the quality of its inspections, but NHS Providers and others have said it “echoed what NHS trust leaders tell us.”

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Source: HSJ, 25 October 2024