The growing demand for NHS mental health services since the pandemic has been well documented.
So it was correct for the Scottish Government to commit to recruit 1000 new specialists in the field to help reduce very poor waiting times.
Figures reported in the Daily Record show they have not yet started hiring any of the promised new professionals.
That is something new Health Secretary Michael Matheson must sort out – and quickly. This was an important pledge because there is a real need for it.
As Scottish Labour spokesperson Paul Sweeney says, Scotland is in the grip of a mental health crisis.
NHS 24 mental health calls rose by almost 600 per cent between 2019 and 2022. Public Health Scotland figures also show the number of young people seen by Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the 18-week target is not even close to its 90 per cent target.
GP practices are facing an ever-increasing demand so it is important they have access to a mental health and well-being service as soon as possible.
As he was health secretary at the time the promise was made, Humza Yousaf must take responsibility and prove that mental health is a priority for his Government. He should step in and ensure that the recruitment process starts as soon as possible.
Otherwise, the mental health crisis in this country will only continue to get worse. It will affect more and more.
Children will end up missing school and adults will have their lives damaged if they do not have the support they need.
There are so many families across Scotland affected by this mental health problem and it has to be a priority.
That means the SNP Government must keep the promises it made to voters.
Keep kids secure
It is concerning that there have been nearly 1000 police callouts to children’s secure care facilities in
the last two years.
While some callouts are expected, the number is alarming. The fact that there was a bomb scare and sexual offence incidents is also worrying.
Scotland’s most vulnerable kids are in these homes and it seems like something is wrong if police are called out so often.
The Daily Record has been working to highlight violence against children with the Our Kids … Our Future campaign, and the young people in these units are those most in need of our support.
Many have already faced very difficult circumstances in their short lives.
It is important that these facilities are properly funded and that children are offered more support.
They need help to secure a good future. If they do not receive it, there will be more problems down the line.
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