The Right to Choose NHS is a fundamental aspect of healthcare in England, allowing patients to select their mental healthcare provider and the team responsible for their treatment. This right has been essential for those seeking timely ADHD assessment pathways and autism diagnosis pathways, as it enables them to bypass long waiting lists by choosing alternative NHS-funded providers.
However, significant changes are on the horizon that could dramatically alter the availability and accessibility of NHS ADHD diagnosis and other specialist referrals. If implemented, these changes may result in increased waiting times, fewer provider options, and a diminished ability to access private ADHD assessment through NHS funding.
NHS England is currently consulting on a change that would restrict patients’ ability to choose their ADHD and autism assessment provider. Under the proposed right to choose legislation, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) will have greater control over when and where a patient can be seen, rather than allowing them to seek the earliest available ADHD treatment options.
These changes will impact everyone relying on NHS-funded healthcare for ADHD and autism assessments, making private ADHD treatment the only viable option for many patients who cannot endure prolonged delays.
The anticipated consequences of these changes include:
If these changes are implemented, the ability to seek an ADHD assessment pathway outside of one’s local NHS region will be severely restricted. Patients who would have previously been referred for private ADHD assessment under NHS funding will now face extensive waiting lists in their area, forcing many to seek private ADHD treatment directly.
Additionally, ADHD medication for children and adults could become harder to obtain due to reductions in available services. Those who rely on annual medication reviews may find their prescriptions delayed or discontinued due to provider constraints.
The public consultation on these changes closes at the end of February, with implementation expected by April 1st. Since individuals are not allowed to formally respond, the most effective way to prevent this restriction is by contacting your MP.
The NHS Right to Choose allows patients to select an approved provider for ADHD diagnosis and treatment, reducing long waiting times associated with local NHS services.
If the changes proceed, many patients receiving ADHD medication for adults and children through Right to Choose providers could see their services discontinued or restricted.
Write to your MP, share awareness through social media, and advocate for continued patient choice in NHS-funded healthcare.
