• The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) has published its second national investigation report – CAMHS to AMHS.
• The investigation reviewed the transition of care from child and adolescent to adult mental health services. It identified possible issues with the transition process.
• It finds that young people using child and adolescent mental health services would benefit from a flexible, managed transition which has been carefully planned with the young person.
• It recommends that NHS England addresses some of the issues uncovered within the upcoming ten-year plan for the NHS.

Responding, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

“We welcome the sensible recommendations from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB).

“Children and adolescent mental health services have for too long been seen as a Cinderella service. Too many vulnerable young people fall through the cracks as they transition to adult services. We agree with the HSIB that improving access to mental health services for young people and meeting the commitments of the FYFV for mental health must be a priority within the upcoming ten-year plan.

It is vital that access to services is flexible and ensures that young people and their families have involvement and a say in their treatment.

Saffron Cordery    

“Young people who need mental healthcare rely on a range of services working together. It is vital that access to services is flexible and ensures that young people and their families have involvement and a say in their treatment.

“Demand on services is rapidly growing. Success will depend on having the right staffing mix, and that funding earmarked for these services makes it to the front line.”