ADHD Right To Choose

Waiting times for ADHD assessments are already far too long, and any changes that might exacerbate this problem are simply unacceptable. I deal with enough very distressing casework in this constituency to be aware of just how serious this issue is. Patients and their families should not have to endure extended periods of uncertainty and anxiety.

Any changes affecting the Right to Choose must be accompanied by tangible improvements in our local NHS provision of ADHD assessments. Failing to do so would not only be short-sighted but would also deepen the distress of those already waiting for a diagnosis.

Before further decisions are made, the government must engage in a proper consultation that includes patients. The risk of unintended consequences—such as even longer waiting lists—is deeply concerning. As a first step, my colleague, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Helen Morgan, has tabled a question to the government asking whether they will guarantee that waiting times will not deteriorate, and what minimum access to assessments will be ensured under this new guidance.

I will continue to press the government for clear answers and insist that Ministers listen to the voices of patients and families. I remain committed to opposing any deterioration in waiting times and to fighting for meaningful improvements in the provision of ADHD assessments.

Our campaign in Parliament has already addressed several related issues, including:

• Highlighting the alarming shortages of ADHD medication, as evidenced by the Early Day Motion tabled by my colleague Adam Dance.
• Holding the Secretary of State for Health and the Education Secretary to account for the inadequate support for SEND and ADHD. We recently secured an Urgent Question which compelled the minister to come before Parliament for scrutiny.
• Campaigning for critical measures to tackle the broader crisis in special educational needs in schools, including calls for a new national agency for SEND and complex needs, as well as extra funding to alleviate the financial burden on schools in providing Education, Health and Care Plans.