Mean and Median Waiting Times for Patients Receiving Psychiatric Help at Institute of Mental Health

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health for each of the past five years, what is the mean and median waiting time for a patient to receive psychiatric help at the Institute of Mental Health.

Individuals referred to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) by the police for further assessment under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act are attended to quickly and there is no significant wait.

For other referrals, the mean and median waiting time for new subsidised psychiatrist appointments at IMH for each of the past five years are shown in the table below.

IMH employs a triage system to ascertain the urgency of the conditions of patients. Those with conditions which are more severe or who require more urgent assistance are given earlier appointments. IMH also supports various service providers in managing individuals with mild to moderate symptoms in the community to ensure that individuals with mental health needs have prompt access to appropriate care.