Western Trust trims “Card Before You Leave” mental health scheme
Financial pressure forces the Western Health and Social Care Trust to cut weekend access to a crisis‑appointment service for young people.
Service cut amid budget tightening
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) announced that its “Card Before You Leave” scheme will no longer run on weekends or bank holidays, citing financial pressures.
The scheme, which provides a written appointment with mental‑health specialists to children and young people who present in an emergency department during a crisis, is now limited to Monday‑Friday operation.
A further chipping away at an already threadbare service, said Londonderry GP Dr Joe McEvoy on BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme.
Scope of the reduction
WHSCT clarified that the reduced hours apply only to young patients assessed as low risk who present out of hours. These individuals will now be seen by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) on the next working day rather than the next calendar day.
High‑risk patients will continue to receive assessment and support according to their clinical needs, with no change to their care pathway.
Background and wider context
The adjustment was introduced in August as part of “wider savings measures” and will remain under review, according to a WHSCT statement.
In the same month, Northern Ireland’s health trusts announced proposals to achieve up to 12 % savings over three years, while Permanent Health Secretary Mike Farrar warned of an £800 million funding gap in the region’s health and social care system.
Other trusts—including Belfast Health Trust, Northern Trust, Southern Trust and South Eastern Trust—have not altered the “Card Before You Leave” scheme.
Trust’s commitment
WHSCT reiterated its commitment to providing safe and effective mental‑health services for children and young people, despite the current financial constraints.
The reduction has sparked concern among clinicians who argue that families already struggle to manage distressing situations without reliable, round‑the‑clock support.
