AQW 6335/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 13/02/2024
Answered On Date: 27/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to deliver the commissioning of ADHD services, including diagnostics and treatment pathways.

Answer:

Although there are currently no commissioned services for Adult ADHD, provision has grown organically across Trusts in response to population demand and expertise within HSC teams. While this has ensured a level of provision is available, the Department is aware that this has also led to inconsistencies between Trusts including pathways and gaps between what can be provided by Trusts in terms of demand and the level of prevalence of adult ADHD, leading to individuals waiting longer than intended for assessment and support.

The Health and Social Care Trusts are committed to work closely and collaboratively with commissioners to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet the needs of patients with ADHD within Trust areas. This work would include the development of clinical pathways.

SPPG alongside Policy colleagues in the Department are keeping the situation regarding the commissioning of Adult ADHD services under review, recognising that the demand for ADHD diagnosis has risen in recent years. In line with the usual process for commissioning of services, any decision to commission Adult ADHD services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services, and in the context of future budget availability.