The number of patients in Caithness waiting for psychology appointments currently stands at a “scandalous” 250 – with many having to make a round-trip of more than 200 miles.
One patient – a victim of a paedophile ring linked to MP Cyril Smith who waited had five years for an appointment – has called on NHS Highland to apologise.
NHS Highland said a review was carried out to improve psychiatry and psychology services across the Highlands, insisting that in the last three months alone they have reduced the longest waits by a third from 938 days to 688 days.
Efforts have also been made to appoint a lead psychologist following the departure of the previous one last December.
The introduction of the Near Me service – where patients can be consulted online – has also helped, they claim.
A Freedom of Information request shows a waiting list standing at 250 – including 74 waiting for clinical psychology.
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Peter Henry Todd, who lives in Thurso, said he had to “fight tooth and nail” for the assistance he needs following his abuse as a child when living in northern England.
The 35-year-old, who must travel 250 miles for his appointments, said: “This is in effect a non-provision of service and a national embarrassment. I would like the chair of NHS Highland David Alston to come to Caithness and explain to patients why the waiting list has spiralled judiciously out of control.”
Mr Todd, who will be giving evidence next year at a historical abuse inquiry regarding the paedophile ring linked to MP Cyril Smith, said: “When I appear I will be telling the inquiry how NHS Highland continues to treat me.
“I implore NHS Highland to apologise to me face to face, which I see as part of the healing process.”
An NHS Highland spokesman said: “There has been a rise in the number due to the post being vacant. We have now recruited and filled the vacancies, so with this and the service improvements we anticipate a reduction in waiting list and waiting times.
“The majority of mental health treatment is delivered within Caithness with a minimal number of patients travelling south for very specialised therapies or inpatient treatment.
He added: “There is now regular locum psychiatry cover within adult mental whilst active attempts continue to recruit into the post. There continues to be permanent psychiatrists providing local clinics within older adult mental health as well as addiction recovery services.
“With the inclusion of Near Me there will be less need to travel once an assessment has been conducted should the patient choose to use Near Me. However, where specialised treatments are required patients may at times need to travel if these are not available in a given area.”
