NHS emergency departments in England are experiencing a significant rise in children and young people attending for mental health crises, with numbers increasing from 55,525 in 2019 to 75,491 in 2025. Many young patients face long wait times, often exceeding 12 hours, highlighting a critical gap in community mental health support.
Doctors emphasize that emergency departments are not suitable for these cases, as many children arrive in distress due to a lack of accessible mental health services. The government is expected to announce a new mental health strategy aimed at improving support for young people.
Watch for the government's upcoming mental health strategy, which aims to enhance community support for children. Key areas to monitor include the establishment of new mental health hubs and increased funding for school mental health teams, crucial for early intervention.