Photo: 123RF
Canterbury's youth mental health services say they are struggling to meet increasing demand. Over the past decade, the number and complexity of cases those on the frontline are dealing with has ballooned by 121 percent.
Te Whatu Ora's district service manager Deborah Selwood admits this demand in growth means only the most severe cases can be seen with any consistency.
The physical condition of the current community treatment facility - Princess Margaret Hospital - is only compounding the problem. However, the construction of a new treatment facility - Kahurangi - is nearing completion, with community teams scheduled to move in next year.
Deborah Selwood, Te Whatu Ora's Child, Adolescent and Family mental health service manager, joins Kathryn to discuss.
An artists impression of the Kahurangi - Canterbury's child and youth mental health community outpatient facility. Photo: Supplied
