Planned action by NHS Highland to reduce long waiting times for child assessments for conditions such as autism has been welcomed by an MSP

Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain is “encouraged” by the health authority’s plan to substantially reduce the backlog for child neurodevelopmental assessments (NDA).

NHS Highland confirmed that 562 children are on the waiting list for NDAs which are crucial for identifying autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other diagnoses.

Mr Mountain, who raised the issue last year, met NHS Highland representatives who confirmed plans were being put in place to reduce the waiting list by the end of 2022.

A series of Freedom of Information requests submitted by Mr Mountain also showed more than10,000 are waiting for NDAs across Scotland.

He was was pleased to meet NHS Highland representatives to raise his deep concerns.

“Some children have been waiting over two years for an assessment and targeted actions are required urgently to improve this situation,” he said.

“I am, therefore, encouraged that NHS Highland are putting together a plan that should see the waiting list backlog substantially reduced by the end of this year.

He will meet health authority representatives at the end of June to see what progress has been made.

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