Context
The MP raised concerns about the mental health crisis among young people in Croydon East, noting that one in five have a probable mental health condition and many are waiting months or years for help.
Question
How will NHS online help young people access the mental health support they need, and what impact will it have on reducing the waiting times for children and adolescent mental health services?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Dr Zubir Ahmed)
Early access to high-quality support is critical for young people struggling with their mental health. We are hiring more staff, expanding support teams in schools and boosting support in new Young Futures hubs so that children can get the best possible start in life. Although initially not focused on CAMHS, the scope of the NHS online hospital is a personal priority for the Prime Minister and has the capacity to grow, and we will consider incorporating it when safely able to alongside other services.
Not addressed: The MP specifically asked about reducing wait times through NHS online, but Dr Ahmed did not provide concrete details on how this would be achieved. Instead, he provided general information on mental health support initiatives and future considerations for incorporating NHS online.
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