AQW 9578/22-27
Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast
Tabled Date: 08/04/2024
Answered On Date: 22/04/2024
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 6963/22-27, how his officials will assess the level of need for adult ADHD services.
Answer:
Provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment and diagnosis has grown organically across Trusts in response to population demand and available expertise within Health & Social Care teams. Whilst a level of provision is available for ADHD referrals, currently there are no specifically commissioned services. The Department is aware that this has led to inconsistencies in provision of services between Trusts and inconsistent pathways and service gaps. The limited capacity available in Trusts in terms of meeting demand and the prevalence of adult ADHD is leading to individuals having to wait longer for assessment and support than described in NICE guidelines. 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. Department of Health officials are regularly reviewing the situation regarding the commissioning of Adult ADHD services, recognising that the demand for ADHD diagnosis has risen in recent years. 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 budget availability. Department of Health officials are now considering how best to progress the issue, in discussion with relevant stakeholders. Subject to future budget availability, potential next steps include the commissioning of research/analysis of adult ADHD demand to inform options for future commissioning strategies, as well as a regional workshop to explore potential ways forward.
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