The CQC carried out the inspection in April to check on improvements since the last inspection when the area of safe was inspected and rated requires improvement.

Jayne Reid, CQC deputy director of mental health in the North East, said: ‘At this inspection, we were encouraged to see improvements across the service, and we saw staff regularly going above and beyond to ensure children and young people were receiving a good level of care.'

Staff were described as ‘kind and compassionate' and there was continuity of care when young people moved between different services or into adult mental health services.

While waiting lists were ‘high', they were below the national average and there were improvements in seeing young people, with referrals reaching teams best suited to their needs, ensuring those with more complex needs could be seen quicker.

Improvements were still needed regarding young people's risk assessments, however.

Beverley Murphy, chief nurse, said: ‘This report shows the determination of our colleagues to improve care for young people across our communities. We're incredibly proud of our CAMHS service and, most importantly, the dedicated staff who make a positive difference every day.

‘Alongside our partners we've improved access to care so young people can get help more quickly, closer to home and in ways that support them to thrive in their families and communities. 

‘We recognise the areas we need to improve. The report is clear that we must strengthen the consistency of risk assessments, safety summaries and safety plans. We will take action on this and continue to focus on learning, improvement and providing safe, kind and person-centred care.'