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NHS limits halt autism and ADHD assessments
15 Oct
Summary
- Parents face delays for autism and ADHD assessments for children.
- The NHS 'right to choose' option is not working for families.
- Assessments are on hold due to increased demand and provider limits.
Parents in Northamptonshire are reporting substantial delays in obtaining autism and ADHD assessments for their children. Victoria McConnachie, a mother from Gayton, explained that her nine-year-old daughter Alba has been awaiting an NHS assessment since 2023.
Initially, the family secured NHS funding for a private assessment earlier this year. However, they were recently informed by the provider that assessments are currently on hold. This situation stems from limits imposed by Northamptonshire's NHS Integrated Care Board, which the board attributes to a significant national increase in demand for such services.
The 'right to choose' policy, implemented in 2018, allows patients to seek alternative providers if NHS waiting times are excessive. This option enables patients to choose assessments from other NHS bodies or private organizations. McConnachie expressed her difficulties in finding an alternative provider, feeling the scheme is not functioning as intended and leaving the process uncertain.
