Newbury MP discusses lowering wait times with health chief

Newbury MP Laura Farris has met with a West Berkshire health chief to discuss lowering wait times for children’s autism and ADHD diagnosis, writes Laila Haines.

Mrs Farris met with Berkshire Healthcare Trust chief executive Julian Emms last week for an update on Berkshire West CAMHS.

Speaking about the current wait times, she said: “It is not right.

“Parents and children are having to wait so long for a diagnosis but I know the service is responding to urgent cases through its triage system.

“I thank Julian for his detailed update and for the good progress the service has made.”

Mrs Farris led a Westminster Hall debate on the subject and has asked the Prime Minister about it in parliament.

The government awarded £1.6 million to West Berkshire CAMHS in 2021 to cut waiting times.

Since then the service pledged to cut waiting times to two years by March 2023 and one year by March 2024.

Before that, many families were waiting up to three years.

Mr Emms said that 96 per cent of families were now waiting two years, with the one-year target likely to be missed due to an 84 per cent increase in GP referrals. The service has taken on 27 new practitioners to deal with demand.

There is a triage system in place for those who need more urgent intervention, the MP was told.

Mrs Farris added: “I do believe the extra government money given to Berkshire West CAMHS has worked as the service has expanded substantially and is helping more children and families.

“Going forward, I will continue to monitor the situation and support the service in any way I can.”