Publication of CAMHS Waiting Time Statistics for Northern Ireland (March 2023)

The Department of Health (DoH) has today, for the first time, published quarterly Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) waiting time statistics for Northern Ireland.

This publication presents quarter end figures regionally and by Health and Social Care Trust in respect of total numbers waiting, and those waiting over 9 weeks, for a CAMHS assessment.

Key Facts and Figures:

• at 31 March 2023, there were 2,388 total waits for a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) assessment in Northern Ireland, of which 1,086 were waiting for more than nine weeks. 
• since a low of 1,132 total waits for a CAMHS assessment at the outset of the pandemic, the number of children and young people waiting for an assessment of CAMHS in Northern Ireland has been increasing, with a peak of 2,388 total waits at 31 March 2023.
• the Northern HSC Trust had the highest numbers waiting for a CAMHS assessment at 31 March 2023 (873) whilst the Western HSC Trust had the least numbers waiting (313).
• the statistics presented derive from returns completed by each HSC Trust in Northern Ireland in relation to Mental Health Outpatients Waiting Times.
• this quarterly summary report is created by Information Analysis Directorate in Department of Health, and is published for the first time on 14 June 2023.
• the quarterly figures will, until further notice, be deemed as Experimental Statistics and subject to change, which is common for new published statistics.

Notes to editors: 

1. This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the DoH.

2. A statistical release of CAMHS information will going forward be published on a quarterly basis.

3. Statistics detailed within the bulletin are presented regionally and by Health and Social Care Trust in respect of number of waits for a CAMHS assessment and time waiting.

4. Similar statistics relating to the quarter ending 30 June 2023 are due for release in August 2023.

5. This publication is available on the Department of Health website.

6. Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch
Department of Health
Room 11, Annexe 2
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SP
Tel:        (028) 90 522342
E-mail: cib@health-ni.gov.uk Internet: Department of Health

7. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.

8. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

9. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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