Last year, 27% of children aged 0-11 waited more than eight weeks for a non-urgent mental health appointment, compared with 6% the previous year.
The Otago Daily Times asked the board if waiting times had improved, but it did not provide the requested update. A further request for the information drew no response. In its statement, the board provided a figure for a dif-ferent age cohort — children and young people aged up to 19 — saying that 93% were seen with-in eight weeks in the first three months of this year.
Dr Clark said the board’s response ignored questions about the 0-11 age group, and the increase in waiting times that had been revealed.
He said early intervention was especially important with children, as it helped prevent further mental health problems. Dr Clark said the national debate around mental health was putting the spotlight on services around the country, including the SDHB.
Last week, the board cancelled an Otago Daily Times interview with its head of mental health, Dr Brad Strong, which had been arranged to discuss general issues in the mental health service. A spokeswoman said Dr Strong was now unavailable for interviews, and would respond only to questions lodged in writing.
