New Autism and ADHD Service Providers - Important Update
New Autism and ADHD Assessment Providers – Important Update for Parent Carers
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has announced an important update that may help reduce the long waiting times for Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people.
What’s changing?
The NHS in Mid and South Essex has commissioned three new specialist providers to carry out Autism and ADHD assessments under the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
This means more choice for families and aims to help children and young people be assessed sooner.
New NHS Right to Choose providers
GPs in Mid and South Essex can now refer children and young people directly to the following approved NHS providers:
These providers have been quality assured by the ICB and meet NHS standards for safe, effective care.
They will work alongside existing local providers (EPUT, NELFT and Provide CIC) to help reduce waiting times.
What services do these providers offer?
The new providers can offer:
- Autism and ADHD assessments
- ADHD medication services (starting and adjusting medication), where appropriate
- Shared care arrangements with your GP, meaning prescriptions and reviews can often be managed locally
How referrals work (important)
- Referrals must be made by your GP
- Schools cannot refer to these new providers
- Schools can continue to refer via My Care Bridge to the Community Collaborative as they do now
If you feel one of these providers may be suitable for your child, you can discuss this with your GP and request a referral under Right to Choose.
What about children already waiting?
The ICB is also working with existing services to support children and young people who have:
- Been waiting over one year for an Autism or ADHD assessment
- Are approaching transition to adult services
Some of these young people may be moved to the new providers to help speed things up.
More providers coming soon
The ICB has confirmed that
four additional providers have also been commissioned and are expected to start accepting referrals
later this spring.
This information will be updated when details are available.
Understanding your Right to Choose
Under NHS rules, patients have the right to choose their ADHD (and Autism) assessment provider.
However, the ICB encourages families to choose from locally commissioned and approved providers, as these:
- Meet NHS quality and safety standards
- Are linked with local services
- Support joined-up care after diagnosis
Some Right to Choose providers only offer assessment and diagnosis, meaning further referrals may be needed for treatment.
Read More on the ICB Webpage.
