Right to Choose Referrals for Mental Health / ADHD

Right to Choose Referrals for Mental Health / ADHD

Patients registered with our practice have the legal Right to Choose their provider for certain NHS-funded mental health assessments, including ADHD assessments.

We are happy to support patients who wish to pursue an assessment through a Right to Choose provider. However, there are some important points patients should be aware of before requesting a referral.

Shared Care and Prescribing

Our practice is only able to enter into Shared Care Agreements with NHS providers.

This means:

• We cannot enter into shared care arrangements with private providers, including private organisations operating under Right to Choose.

• If you are assessed and treated by a Right to Choose provider, you will need to remain under their care for prescribing and medication monitoring.

• If you would prefer your ADHD care to eventually transfer to the GP under shared care, this is currently only possible through an NHS service, which for our area is QUAY Healthcare. We recognise that waiting times for NHS services may be lengthy.

If you choose a Right to Choose provider

• We will process the referral to your chosen provider where appropriate.

• You will remain under that provider for your ongoing care and medication.

• If you are also on the NHS waiting list (e.g. QUAY Healthcare) and later have an NHS assessment, we may then be able to consider taking over prescribing under a Shared Care Agreement once NHS care is established.
• If you wish your care to be transferred back to the NHS from your right to choose provider we will support you with this. You should obtain a letter from your provider to support the safe handover of your care to share with the NHS provider.

ADHD Service Requirements (ICB Guidance)

Our local Integrated Care Board has specific requirements for ADHD assessments and treatment:

• The initial ADHD diagnostic assessment must be conducted face-to-face.

• Before starting ADHD medication, there must be a face-to-face physical health check.

• This face-to-face assessment must take place within 60 minutes travel time from the patient’s home.

Further information can be found on the ICB website:
ADHD services for adults:
https://www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/your-health/adhd-services-for-adults/

Summary

• We will support referrals under Right to Choose.

• Shared care is only available with NHS providers.

• Patients choosing Right to Choose providers will remain under that service for prescribing and monitoring.

• Face-to-face assessments are required under local ICB policy.