There were 86 admissions of children and young people to non-specialist and adult mental health wards in 2020/21, according to a watchdog.

The Mental Welfare Commission (MWC) says this should only happen in ‘rare situations’ but warns this is taking in place in 34% of all young people admitted for mental health treatment.

Julie Paterson, the Chief Executive, said the report’s recommendations are ‘almost identical’ to those published last year.

The Commission previously highlighted an ongoing lack of intensive psychiatric care units (IPCU) for young people in Scotland, and is repeating calls for the government to complete exploratory findings within the next year.

This year’s figures show a fall from 2019-20, when 88 young people were admitted to inappropriate care in 103 admissions.

But the watchdog says numbers are not directly comparable as pandemic restrictions affected bed availability and admissions.

Julie Paterson, the Chief Executive, said: “The data in this report remains vital in understanding something of how services operated during that time.

“It also confirms that some of the issues we raised in the past as requiring attention continue to exist.”

According to the report, the proportion of young people being able to access specialist CAMHS input while an in-patient on a non-specialist ward had not improved in recent years.

Just 13% had access to advocacy that specialised in the particular needs and rights of young people.

Access to appropriate advocacy is outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as key to protecting young people’s rights.

The Commission says health board managers who have a duty to fund and provide advocacy services must ensure sufficient dedicated support for children and young people is available.

The right to education must also be protected, as a standard part of care planning.

The Commission welcomes progress on the National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service,known as Foxgrove, in NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

After facing delays, it is hoped the unit will receive its first inpatients in November 2022.

NHS Lothian will also develop a four-bedded unit for young people aged 12 to 18 with a learning disability.

Read more: Rise in mental health detentions confirmed; Adults with incapacity face longest discharge delays

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