Lanarkshire MSP calls on SNP to help reduce autism assessment waits

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Lanarkshire MSP is calling on the Scottish Government to help reduce autism assessment waiting times in the county.Tory Graham Simpson wants to see NHS Lanarkshire reduce their waiting list for children in need of a neurodevelopment assessment.

Mr Simpson’s call comes after he raised a local constituent’s case with Kevin Stewart, the Minister for wellbeing and social care, in the Scottish Parliament recently.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The MSP told Lanarkshire Live : “There has been an incredible reaction following my question to Mr Stewart, which shows how seriously this issue needs to be taken. “I am confident NHS Lanarkshire are doing everything they can to try and reduce these waiting times, but the Scottish Government needs to do more to help them tackle the backlog as soon as possible.“Some of the stories I have received from constituents really are heartbreaking and I intend to meet with families in the coming weeks before raising this again with the Minister.” The constituent cited, who is from East Kilbride, was recently told her son may have to wait 21 months to see a community paediatrician before joining the regional NDS waiting list for an assessment which is currently between two and three years.