Information for Patients Requesting ADHD Referral

(Click here to download a letter containing the information below)

This information is for patients who have requested a referral to be assessed for ADHD. This has become an increasingly complicated area to navigate with more and more options available. To help consider the best way forward, we have put together the following information which outlines your options, and our responsibilities with respect to each.

1. NHS referral – Current wait 5 years for assessment
   • Via Community Mental Health Team
   • Comprehensive service providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment including prescriptions and access to local support services
   • We can consider taking on shared care (ongoing prescriptions and monitoring in general practice with specialist oversight) using Devon’s formally agreed share care guidelines

2. NHS right to choose referral – wait varies per provider but approximately within 6-12 months as of June 25 (waiting times likely to increase due to ongoing demand)
   • Private providers that have been commissioned to provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment paid for by the NHS
   • Often remote virtual care
   • Due to the ever-changing providers of NHS Right to Choose pathways, we are unable to agree to Shared Care agreements with non-NHS providers. There are significant medication shortages in local community pharmacies whereas the Right to Choose providers have better knowledge and access to any required medicine changes. Many of these Right to Choose providers are now funded by Devon ICB to provide ongoing monitoring and medication following any diagnosis. By not accepting shared care this does not affect your prescription and follow up which would continue with your right to choose provider under one service.
   • The following link lists the Right to Choose providers who are currently contracted with Devon ICB. ADHD and Autism FAQ – South & West (devonformularyguidance.nhs.uk)

3. Private services
   • We cannot share care with private providers. This means that you will be responsible for ongoing costs associated with any treatments and monitoring required (e.g. blood tests, ECGs, blood pressure). Your private provider will be responsible for providing this and any prescriptions.
   • You can still be referred to the NHS service at any time, but they will not take over your care until you have been seen in their clinic. We would not take over until shared care with our local NHS provider is agreed.

We hope this information helps you decide how to proceed.