SNP ‘failing generation of young people’ amid long mental health waits – Labour

The Scottish Government has been accused of “failing a generation of young people” after figures revealed some are waiting more than six years for mental health support.

A freedom of information request by Scottish Labour found the longest wait for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) was in NHS Lothian, where a patient in 2024 was recorded as waiting 2,291 days.

This year, a patient was listed as waiting 1,247 days – more than three years – in the same health board for treatment following an initial assessment appointment.

Meanwhile, the figure for NHS Grampian in 2024 stood at 755 days, and 420 days for 2025.

In 2024, the longest wait in NHS Ayrshire and Arran was 394 days.

The longest wait in NHS Lanarkshire last year was 321 days. So far in 2025, the longest wait in the health board has been 426 days.

Scottish Labour warned that vulnerable youngsters are being allowed to “fall through the cracks” amid long delays.

Dame Jackie Baillie, the party’s health spokesperson, said: “These shameful waits lay bare the true consequences of SNP incompetence.

“Vulnerable young people desperately seeking help are being allowed to fall through the cracks by this uncaring and incompetent SNP Government.

“Once again it is clear that the very founding principle of our NHS – of a health service free and available at the point of need – has been demolished by the SNP.

“The SNP is failing a generation of young people, whether it’s in our NHS, our schools or our housing system.

“It’s time for a change in direction and a change in government.

“Scottish Labour will protect our NHS and stand up for children and young people so they can get the vital care they need when they need it.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.

Dr Laura Sutherland vice-chair of the CAMHS Faculty, Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said: “These eye-watering statistics are sadly not surprising.

“We’ve known for several years that young people are often having to wait a very long time for the help and treatment they so desperately need.

She added: “Targets are missed but what we need is ringfenced funding and resources ploughed in at local level.

“In the run up to the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, we’re appealing to all political parties to look at committing 10% of the total NHS spend towards mental health and 1% for CAMHS.

“Those with complex mental health conditions – need that investment more than ever.”