My scepticism over waiting times and there reduction seems quite well founded. My own situation has led me to re-enter the waiting list of my local Psychological services department- one of the mains stays for talking therapies in the NHS.
I was impressed when they got back to me within two weeks of my referral letter being sent; great I thought, things are really going to move, so I rang for my appointment for the assessment.
I was less than impressed with having to wait 5 weeks to see the person whom I had been assigned to. But hey it was the summer and people go on holiday so I took it on the chin and waited my time.
Last week I went and had what I consider a very thorough discussion about my problems, spent an 1hr1/2 with the man only to find that they are and I quote ‘drastically understaffed’ and that realistically I am unlikely to hear from them about an appointment for 6 months- at best 4 months. He did say that there were things in the pipeline that might change this but didn’t want to raise my hopes.
Disappointed- Hell yes.
Surprised- NO
Everything I have read and heard from people has led me to believe that this was going to be the case and though I was referred for CAT (cognitive analytical) therapy something I found was almost a formality that I was accepted for, it has left me feeling that I wasted that hour and half because I can go no further forward at this time.
So my questions to them are:
What is the point in getting people in for assessment, something that is time consuming, if you cannot get any further forward with the therapy for such lengths of time?
Wouldn’t it be better to apologise for the delay and assess fewer people in keeping with how many staff you have and the available slots for therapy that you can offer?
Each assessment takes one therapy slot, so by reducing the number of assessments wouldn’t you then be able to treat more people?
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