Children with mental health problems are dying because of failings in NHS treatment, coroners across England have said in what psychiatrists and campaigners have called “deeply concerning” findings.
In the last five years coroners have issued reports to prevent future deaths in at least 14 cases in which under-18s have died while being treated by children’s and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
The most common issues that arise are delays in treatment and a lack of support in helping patients transition to adult services when they turn 18.
Coroners issue reports to prevent future deaths in extreme cases when it is decided that if changes are not made then another person could die.
Dr Elaine Lockhart, the chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ faculty of child and adolescent psychiatry, said the findings were “deeply concerning” and every death was a tragedy.
She said there were too often lengthy delays and services were under strain as demand rises and the NHS faces workforce shortages.
“In child and adolescent mental health services in England, 15% of consultant psychiatrist posts are vacant,” Lockhart said, calling for more support, investment and planning to grow staff levels.
Source: The Guardian, 3 February 2022
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