The goal for accessibility in child and adolescent psychiatry, abbreviated BUP, is that the patient should receive a first visit, an investigation and a treatment within the time limit of 30 days.

But Västerbotten is the second worst in the country when it comes to how long you have to wait for a first visit to child and adolescent psychiatry.

According to a compilation made by Sweden's municipalities and regions, SKR, in January this year only 15 percent received a first visit within 30 days.

Even when it comes to investigations, Västerbotten is at the bottom of the country's regions - only 6 percent receive help within 30 days.

Child and adolescent psychiatry in Västerbotten has for several years had periods of long waiting times.

- We do not want it like this, but it has been a hard pressure with many applicants, says Kerstin Eliasson, operations manager.

When it comes to treatment and investigation within 30 days, Västerbotten was the second worst in 2020 according to a compilation made by SVT.

This week, a decision was made in the region to start buying neuropsychiatric investigations from private companies, to reduce the queues

Had to limit phone hours

SVT Nyheter Västerbotten has been in contact with several families who have had to wait a long time for a first visit and investigation.

According to operations manager Kerstin Eliasson, the waiting times are due to vacancies and high absenteeism among staff.

But also that the number of applicants for BUP has increased sharply in the last five years.

BUP has also at times been forced to limit the opportunities to reach the reception due to staffing problems.

To try to meet the queues, a first line was recently introduced where children and families will have a first contact and then be referred on.

It is children who feel very bad who are referred to BUP - how do you see that these children are forced to wait a long time for help?

- It is definitely not good, we want to be available, says Kerstin Eliasson.