Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

On a waiting list for another review

Posted By phoenixjc66

"On a waiting list for another review"

About: Community Mental Health Services / CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services) Falkirk

(as a service user),

After a prolonged period of time on a waiting list, my child was seen for their first appointment. The outcome of that is that they’re now on a waiting list for another review, which has already taken months with no sign of an appointment in sight. Meantime, the initial mental health problem still stands - at the first appointment we were told this was the treatment starting, which I find confusing - how does a 1 hour appointment equal treatment starting?

I can only imagine that the improved waiting times we hear about are because children are being seen quickly for the first appointment but what about those who are then waiting months and years for their next appointment?

I’m not sure the figures tell an accurate story.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Lesley Dunabie, Department Manager, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, NHS Forth Valley 3 weeks ago
Lesley Dunabie
Department Manager, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre,
NHS Forth Valley

Submitted on 10/06/2025 at 12:54
Published on Care Opinion at 12:54

Dear phoenixjc66

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We understand how difficult and disheartening it can be to wait for support, especially when your child’s mental health needs remain ongoing and unresolved. We sincerely regret the frustration and any confusion this process has caused you and your family.

We acknowledge that while initial appointments are an important first step, they do not always equate to the beginning of sustained treatment. The intention behind describing the first appointment as the “start of treatment” is to recognize the clinical assessment and planning that begins at that stage; a recognised evidence based risk assessment, bespoke signposting to resources and services whilst you wait and a safety plan which are usually instigated at this appointment. Care goals and priorities should also be agreed at this stage informing next steps for treatment. We understand that this can feel insufficient when there is any delay before the next phase of care.

Your feedback highlights an important issue: the gap between initial contact and continued support. We are actively working to improve not only access to first appointments but also the continuity and timeliness of follow-up care. This includes reviewing our current processes, investing in additional resources, and exploring new models of care to better meet the needs of children and families.

We also appreciate your concern about how waiting time statistics are presented. Transparency and accuracy in reporting are essential, and your perspective will be shared with our service improvement team to help inform how we communicate progress more meaningfully.

Please know that your voice matters. If you would be open to it, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your experience further and explore any interim support options that may be available for your child.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your patience

Lesley Dunabie

On behalf of CAMHS

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k