MENTAL health services in Warrington are 'not fit for purpose', according to some GPs.

That's from Healthwatch Warrington, a not-for-profit organisation that ensures healthcare leaders listen to the people of Warrington.

The organisation completed a report that investigated the health and well-being of children and young people in Warrington, which included talking to patients, healthcare professionals, teachers, and GPs.

Warrington Guardian: Some GPs have claimed that the mental health services in Warrington are 'not fit for purpose'Some GPs have claimed that the mental health services in Warrington are 'not fit for purpose' (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Healthwatch Warrington's report found that mental health services had experienced a 90 per cent increase in demand following the pandemic.

They also found that GPs in Warrington were struggling to meet this high demand.

Some GPs said the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) was 'overwhelmed,'  and  'not fit for purpose.'

More than 1,000 people were surveyed for the report, and the organisation was keen to highlight that there is 'a lot of positive work' from healthcare professionals in the town.

Lydia Thompson is the CEO of Healthwatch Warrington, she said: "Many people have found organisations like Homestart, Parents in Mind, Youth Clubs (EMPOWER, Girls Group), and carers groups a lifeline and having a safe space for people to talk and not be judged. 

"More investment in local support groups could help the strain on services like CAMHS."

The report found that 30 per cent of young people would not talk to anyone if they were 'feeling low.'

One GP said: "I feel helpless as a GP because there is no one helping us with these young people.

"Parents are in despair."

Of the respondents to the survey, 81 per cent had to wait 10 months or more for an appointment following a referral to CAMHS.

20 members of school staff said they had no faith in CAMHS.

Commenting on the mental health services provided by GPs, one young person suffering with their mental well-being said: "My GP listened - really listened - to me and referred me to CAMHS, he also told me to look online for support whilst I wait for my appointment.

"I am still waiting and have now been on the waiting list for CAMHS for eight months."

A spokesperson for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust said: "We recognise the importance of providing a timely and effective service and have recently embarked on a transformation programme to make sure appropriate support is available when and where children and young people need it most.

"The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the emotional health, well-being and mental health of children and young people, and we have seen a substantial increase in the volume of referrals being made.

"In response to the increased demand, we introduced a 24-hour mental health and urgent mental health support phone line in April 2020 for children and young people in crisis."