Healthwatch raises concerns over mental health waiting times in Worcestershire

CONCERNS have been raised over waiting times and access to mental health services in Worcestershire.

Healthwatch Worcestershire highlighted access to children’s and community mental health services among areas needing improvement in its response to the trust’s 2025/26 Quality Account.

The watchdog also raised waiting times, communication with patients and carers, co-production, organisational culture and whether services were sufficiently responsive to diverse communities.

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Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said the feedback provided “valuable insight” and it remained committed to involving patients and carers in improving services.

Healthwatch also acknowledged progress in areas including service development, patient experience and partnership working.