§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in what form he collects statistics on the number of children waiting to be referred to the CAHMS; and what the figures are for the last two years for which figures are available. [81719]
§ Jacqui SmithThe only information currently available on the waiting time for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is by the consultant specialty of child and adolescent psychiatry. The latest information on waiting times for inpatient and outpatient appointments is shown in the tables.
We recognise that in some places waiting times CAMHS are unacceptably long. The development of CAMHS is an important part of the work we are taking forward in the children's national service framework. In 2002–3 we are investing an additional 40 million in services provided by the national health service and local authorities which will help in reducing waiting.
104WOn the 16 October my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, announced that CAMHS would receive an additional investment of 140 million over the next three years through increased grants to local authorities. This will build capacity, improve access and, together with new NHS investment, help deliver for the first time a comprehensive CAMHS service for every area.