A WARRINGTON MP has called for a meeting with a health minister to discuss 'rocketing' waiting times for autism assessments.
Warrington South MP Sarah Hall made the comments in the House of Commons on Thursday during the Business of the House debate.
She said that, according to NHS data, while the number of people waiting has started to level out, the time they are waiting has soared.
On average, this wait time is now around 200 days longer than it was a year ago.
Speaking in the Commons, Ms Hall said: "According to NHS data, while the number of people waiting for an autism assessment is levelling out, the time they are waiting is rocketing.
"The average wait time is 200 days more than it was a year ago.
"In order to reduce waiting times, integrated care boards should follow the NHS England national framework and operational guidance and provide a standardised autism assessment process, but in many cases, that clearly is not happening.
"Will the Leader of the House ask the relevant health minister to arrange a meeting with me to discuss which ICBs are struggling to implement the framework, and the action being taken to support them to ensure that they have the resources needed to follow the framework?"
Sir Alan Campbell, Leader of the House of Commons, confirmed that he would arrange this meeting.
Speaking after the Commons debate, Ms Hall added: "Families are doing everything right, but the system is not working.
"Integrated Care Boards should be following the NHS England national framework to make assessments consistent and reduce delays. In too many areas, that just isn't happening.
"Getting the basics right in health and care is how people start to trust the system again. Standing up for families who have been waiting too long is part of that job.
"I will keep working with the National Autistic Society to make sure this stays firmly on the agenda.
"If you or your family have been affected by delays to autism assessments, please get in touch via SarahHall.co.uk/Contact to share your experience and help inform my work."