Shropshire Child Mental Health Referrals Nearly Double Amid Rising Demand

Data indicates that referrals of children to a Shropshire trust’s mental health services have almost doubled over a five-year period. The Midlands Partnership NHS Trust’s mental health services received referrals for over 7,255 children in 2023/24, an increase from 3,942 in 2018/19. An additional 806 children are presently awaiting services, as revealed by information acquired through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The trust stated that “demand on children and young people’s mental health services has grown significantly across the country in recent years” and acknowledged the frustration experienced by families seeking assistance. Medical Negligence Assist submitted FOI requests to every NHS mental health trust. Their findings indicated that children in Shropshire experienced an average waiting period of 56 days between referral and their initial appointment at the trust. This wait time surpasses the national average of five weeks. Furthermore, the trust verified a longest recorded waiting period of 336 days as of April 2024. Recent NHS data reveals that national child mental health referrals have exceeded one million for the third consecutive year. A spokesperson for the Shropshire trust commented that this national demand “has been reflected in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin where referrals to the BeeU emotional wellbeing and mental health service have risen dramatically.” They further stated, “We understand this has led to longer waits to access services than we would wish and appreciate the frustration felt by families who are seeking support.” The trust indicated that supplementary funding for the service, “twinned with the tireless commitment of our staff is addressing the backlog of children awaiting an assessment,” with the goal of facilitating more timely access to services.