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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Ella Pickover

Children left waiting for more than 12 hours in A&E in mental health crisis

Mental Health
  • NHS figures analysed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health show 75,491 children aged 6 to 17 attended A&E in England with mental health concerns in 2025, up 36 per cent since 2019.
  • The rate of mental health-related emergency department attendances grew fastest among the youngest children, rising from 3,870 in 2019 to 6,269 in 2025.
  • The number of young patients waiting over 12 hours in A&E rose to 6,235 in 2025, with 338 waiting for more than three days.
  • The RCPCH warned that emergency departments are unsuitable for mental health crises and urged ministers to focus on early intervention.
  • The Department of Health and Social Care highlighted plans to expand school mental health support and open over 150 new facilities.

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