Abstract
The objective of this study was to obtain the views of all actual and potential referrers to the Worthing Priority Care NHS Trust Psychology Service - Child & Adolescent Specialty, concerning their satisfaction with the service they receive or their reasons for not referring. A questionnaire based on the findings of previous research was developed to obtain this information. There was one send-out to the 239 potential referrers to the service. A response rate of 63% was obtained. The study was guided by the hypotheses that the overall level of satisfaction would be lower than previous studies as a function of a history of severe under-funding within the service, that levels of satisfaction would be dependent upon professional group membership and that a clear pattern would emerge regarding the reasons why those professionals who could refer chose not to do so. Significant results are found in the analysis of factors effecting the decision to refer and satisfaction with waiting time between referral and first appointment. Possible explanations for the results are discussed with reference to previous studies. Implications for future developments of the specialty are outlined and areas for further research are highlighted.