HEALTH bosses undergoing a major review of mental health services have clashed with charity Mind over warnings they are failing to meet targets in helping patients get access to vital therapies.

Talking therapies are seen as crucial for people with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety to try and prevent escalating illnesses.

Figures issues by Mind said Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG along with Sunderland were the only two authorities failing to meet the 3.95 per cent target, per quarter, out of ten authorities across the North East.

HRWCCG challenged the figures saying they are actually slightly above, although it still means they are ninth out of the ten.

Mind puts HRWCCG at helping 3.9 per cent of patients in need and Sunderland at 3.8 per cent while Darlington is 5.4 per cent, Durham Dales is 5.9 per cent and North Durham 6.2 per cent.

The CCG has come under fire after launching a major consultation on improving mental health services to create more extensive community services but close two existing inpatient wards at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

One irate resident said it's another nail in the coffin for the hospital.

Dr George Campbell, of the CCG said: “The figures released by Mind reflect one quarter of the year only.

"For the full 2016/17 year, access to talking therapies in our area reached 16 per cent which actually achieved above the target of 15.8 per cent. This gives an average of four per cent per quarter.

“There is no doubt that historically, access to talking therapies has not been as good. Over the last two years the CCG has invested more to improve access. We’ve also worked closely with our primary care colleagues to encourage referrals to talking therapies."

Sophie Corlett, of Mind, said nearly six out of ten CCGs are failing to meet targets which go up to 25 per cent in 2020.

“For too long, people accessing mental health services have not had equal access. Now we are able to hold those responsible for their delivery, the CCG's to account." she added.