Osakidetza Reports Average Mental Health Waiting Times of 25.6 Days
Osakidetza's mental health services report an average wait of 25.6 days for non-urgent care.
Key Points
- • Average waiting time for non-urgent care is 25.6 days.
- • Urgent cases are handled within 24 to 72 hours.
- • Follow-ups for severe conditions occur within 15 days.
- • Patients maintain direct contact with mental health professionals.
In a recent disclosure by the Health Minister of the Basque Country, Alberto Martínez, the average waiting time for non-urgent mental health care at Osakidetza’s Centers for Mental Health (CSM) has been reported at approximately 25.6 days. The update comes following a parliamentary inquiry posed by the EH Bildu party, aimed at addressing the timeliness of mental health services in the region.
For urgent cases—encompassing severe situations like suicidal risks or significant health deterioration—patients receive care within a swift window of 24 to 72 working hours. Furthermore, those needing follow-up appointments due to serious depression, such as postpartum depression, can expect to be seen within a maximum of 15 days. Ordinary mental health care appointments are generally accessible within 30 days.
Martínez emphasized that the scheduling process considers various clinical, functional, and contextual factors, ensuring a tailored response to patients' needs. Additionally, patients are assured direct communication with their assigned mental health professionals, facilitating ongoing support and the ability to address any urgent matters that arise.
This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of mental health services, reflecting the growing recognition of mental health issues as critical to public health in Spain.