AQW 22908/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 19/02/2025
Answered On Date: 25/02/2025
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to work by his Department to assess demand for a commissioned ADHD service, to detail (i) who was allocated to carry out this work; (ii) how they are carrying out this work; and (iii) the stakeholders they have engaged with to date.

Answer:

(i) The Department of Health has recently commissioned a needs assessment on ADHD, the findings of which will help inform options for a commissioned ADHD service across Trusts, subject to future budget availability. A lead has been appointed through the HSC Leadership Centre, and the work commenced in early February, with an estimated completion date of end June 2025.

(ii) Work will be progressed in line with the agreed Terms of Reference for the assignment and will include a literature review and consideration of best practice in other jurisdictions; an assessment of existing ADHD service provision, including barriers and challenges; and an analysis of future demand to inform recommendations for a future commissioned service, including estimated costs, workforce requirements and supporting implementation plan.

A list of stakeholders has been developed which includes representatives from the Department of Health, HSC Trusts, the Community and Voluntary sector and people with lived experience, amongst others. Stakeholder engagement will be taken forward in the coming weeks to inform the findings of the assessment.