Meeting to discuss CAHMS concerns

Conversations Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie with NHS Tayside chief executive Nicky Connor

- ALASTAIR MCNEILL

A stakeholders meeting aimed at encouraging a “joined-up” approach to Tayside Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAHMS) and neurodevelopmental care was due to be held yesterday (Thursday).

It follows criticism of an NHS Tayside decision earlier this year to no longer accept new referrals for autism and ADHD diagnosis in children and young people unless they have other mental health conditions.

The demand for neurodevelopmental referrals in the region in recent years has gone up by 400 per cent.

Conservative Perthshire MSP Murdo Fraser said last month the “short-sighted” move would cause more anxiety to children and parents.