Child psychiatrist vacancies have reached a critical level in England, with one in three posts unfilled. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for immediate government action to address the workforce crisis, citing chronic underfunding as a major contributor.
Key Statistics
- One in five (19.2% or 162 posts) were vacant
- When combined with posts being covered by locums, the total vacancy rate was more than one in three (36.8% or 310 posts)
Calls for Immediate Action from the Government
Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, called for immediate action from the government to resolve the workforce crisis.
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Chronic underfunding for over 15 years has had a detrimental impact on the ability to recruit and retain enough psychiatrists.
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The solution is simple: “The government must fully implement the updated NHS long-term workforce plan. It must also fund the expansion of the mental health workforce and additional services that can help meet this demand while investing in children’s mental health as a matter of priority.”
Unacceptable Waiting Times
The rise in waiting times for children and young people to see mental health services is “unacceptable”, Dr Smith added. Too many children experience a deterioration in their mental health while on waiting lists.
Additional Statistics
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32,521 emergency and urgent referrals to child and adolescent mental health services crisis teams in 2022-23
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A 50% increase from the year before the Covid pandemic (2019-20)
- theguardian.com | News The Guardian
