Mental health referrals rejected at North East and Cumbria trust

Figures obtained through a freedom of information request show that half of all referrals to the trust’s children’s mental health service did not receive treatment last year.

In more than 7,000 cases reviewed by Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust in 2023, children were discharged from hospital after just one appointment.

The trust said children and young people’s mental health services (CAMHS) often receive referrals to other more appropriate services.

Some parents told the BBC that their children were not receiving the support they needed.

Data reveals a surge in demand for CAMHS.

The trust’s referral numbers have increased by 45% since 2019, but each year since then more than half of those referred have not received treatment.

The trust said some people may have been referred to other services or may not have needed further treatment.

BBC News spoke to parents in the area who said their children are struggling without support.

A father in Cumbria said he sought help for his son-in-law who was suffering from physical and emotional abuse.

“He suffers from anxiety. He has trouble sleeping and has nightmares.

“He struggles every day because of what he went through.”

A referral to CAMHS was reportedly made after a telephone assessment with a child psychiatrist.

However, CAMHS allegedly said there was not enough evidence that the young man needed help from the service.

Ramona Duguid, the trust’s chief operating officer, said specialist services often receive referrals of children who would be better served by “other services and organizations”.

“We often work closely with these other services, and where referral to another service is more appropriate, our teams ensure that people access the appropriate help and support as soon as possible. I’m doing my best,” she said.

The trust said it did not discuss individual cases but encouraged people to contact the trust directly to provide feedback.