Robyn Skilton
7 Aug 2022 · Coroner Penelope Schofield · West Sussex
This report repeats 1 earlier warning, and was raised again 1 time later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of resourcing and provision of mental health services for young people
“[the deceased] was failed by the Mental Health Services quite frankly due to the current lack of resourcing and provision in place to support young people struggling with their mental health”
2. delayed acceptance into tier 3 CAMHS
“[the deceased] initial acceptance into tier 3 Children and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) similarly did not happen in a timely manner”
3. unsustainable demand on CAMHS without increased resources
“Referrals to West Sussex CAMHS have increased by 95.6% from May 2019 (389) to May 2022 (761) West Sussex CAMHS caseload has increased by 85% from May 2019 (2239) to May 2022 (4147) West Sussex CAMHS Duty caseload has increased by 112% from May 2021 (492) to May 2022 (1494) Mental”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
Earlier report
“(1) The provision of mental health services for children and young people in Cumbria is underfunded.”
This report
“Due to the lack of availability of a Child Psychiatrist there are long waiting times for children to be assessed.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“Despite the increase in numbers accessing CAMHS there has not been any relative increase in resources to meet this demand and therefore the current position is is unsustainable and it is putting many young people's lives at risk.”
Later report
“The Inquest heard that the number of children presenting to CAMHS teams is increasing significantly.”
Responses
2022-0247-Response-from-department-of-Health-and-Social-Care.pdf ↗· Department of Health and Social Care
Stated action · 2023/24
“we are working nationally to support local areas to expand mental health services so that more people can access the care and support they need.”