We are aware that many Southend residents, along with many others in the UK, are finding it difficult to get a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
If you've had, or are waiting for, an ADHD diagnosis or treatment and have an experience you would like to share, get in touch with us today.
The NHS in mid and south Essex has shared some information on its support for patients who are struggling.
They have said the delay is due to:
"an increased numbers of patients seeking an assessment and being diagnosed;
long waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment in specialist services;
more patients are being prescribed medication and requiring ongoing monitoring in general practice where capacity is stretched;
patients receiving different elements of NHS funded care from different providers, as well as privately-funded care;
An ongoing national shortage of ADHD medications.
This creates a complex and challenging picture for healthcare providers who are working hard to ensure patients remain able to safely access ADHD medications and ongoing monitoring, whether that is within specialist care, or in their GP practice.
Changes to NHS GP prescribing of ADHD medications
Some GP practices are choosing to stop prescribing ADHD medications for their patients. Â
NHS Mid and South Essex has put in place new arrangements to ensure NHS patients remain able to access ADHD medications safely and without interruption.
Alongside the new arrangements that have been put in place, we are continuing to work with GP practices, specialist care providers, and other system partners to plan, redesign and improve the pathways of care in mid and south Essex so that patients are supported to access the care they need in a way that is safe, equitable, and sustainable."
For more information, and to read the full list of FAQs, visit the NHS MSE website: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/personalised-care/medicines-management/adhd-prescribing/