A charity is legally challenging an NHS trust's decision to stop accepting referrals for adults over 25 with ADHD, highlighting potential risks. The Coventry and Warwickshire NHS trust paused new adult referrals to prioritize reducing waiting lists for children. Other trusts have paused referrals too, but have accredited separate providers. Former patients report significant costs for private assessments. ADHD UK argues this situation reflects ongoing discrimination against ADHD, with serious implications for patient access to essential medication and support systems. The trust aims to alleviate long waiting times for children seeking assessment and develop a comprehensive ADHD pathway.
Henry Shelford emphasized the urgency of ADHD issues, stating, "It's ridiculous we know one in 10 men and boys and one in four women and girls with ADHD will at some point try to take their own life," underlining the dangers of delayed diagnoses.
The NHS Coventry and Warwickshire integrated care board chief medical officer, Dr. Imogen Staveley, explained the rationale behind the referral pause, citing the plan to create a sustainable, all-age ADHD pathway to better serve those in need.
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