One in three consultant child psychiatrist posts in England are vacant, analysis shows

Child and adolescent mental health services have highest vacancy rates of any psychiatric specialism

• Consultant psychiatrist on why early intervention is key and why delays are unacceptable

One in three child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist posts in England are vacant, according to a shocking" analysis laying bare the workforce crisis that experts say is fuelling unacceptable" long waits for NHS care.

The number of children and young people requiring mental healthcare has soared in recent years, but many face lengthy delays before they can access treatment. Some are deteriorating to a dangerously severe state of mental ill-health while they wait.