Repeat Prescriptions

You may be aware of previous news stories regarding private ADHD diagnostic services that have been springing up. We are sure many of you will share our concern about what has been found.

Like many GP surgeries, we have now taken the decision not to accept new diagnoses which are based on a private assessment. Until further notice, we will therefore not be able to start an NHS prescription for adult ADHD medication unless the diagnosis was made under NHS funding.

In the last couple of years, the surge in demand for ADHD assessment has led to very long NHS waits for assessment. We understand that this is frustrating for patients; however, we strongly discourage any patients from seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD at this time with the expectation that the Practice will be able to then issue prescriptions as we will be unable to.

We will only be able to provide NHS prescription if the patient is under an NHS-certified “shared care” agreement with the private provider. This is because ADHD medication is a specialist medication which GPs cannot continue independently. The shared care agreement requires the patient to have yearly reviews with the private clinic which they will need to fund.

We understand that the steps we are taking may be disappointing for some patients and we are sorry for this. However, we believe they are necessary to ensure that ADHD is assessed and treated safely.

We will only continue to prescribe ADHD medication for the patients who were initiated privately - for those who agree to attend the post-diagnostic NHS appointment.

We have seen a big rise in ADHD diagnoses from private clinics, with many asking us to take over prescribing medication through the NHS. However, some of these clinics are not held to the same standards as NHS services, and this can raise concerns about safety, follow-up, and consistency of care.

From 1 May 2025, we will follow new NHS rules around who we can prescribe ADHD medication for, based on guidance from NHS Kent and Medway.

What’s Changing?

From 1 May 2025:

1. We can only accept ADHD medication requests from Right to Choose (RTC) providers. These are the providers approved by the NHS to offer this care.
2. There must be a Shared Care Agreement in place between your provider and our GP practice. This agreement outlines who is responsible for your care and ensures we work safely together. You can find the agreement here:
   • For children and young people – ADHD Shared Care Agreement
   • For adults – ADHD Shared Care Agreement
3. You must attend regular check-ups as part of this agreement. This includes:
   • Weight, height, blood pressure, and pulse checks at least every 6 months and you will be invited by the surgery for this
   • Over 18 years - a yearly medication review with one of our GP’s
   • Under 18 years - a yearly medication review must be arranged with your ADHD specialist
     If these checks aren’t completed, we may have to stop prescribing and return responsibility to the provider.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

ADHD and autism assessments and treatments are specialist services. GP’s don’t always have the training to safely manage this care without input from specialists.

From 1 April 2025, NHS rules say all adult referrals for ADHD or autism diagnosis, medication, or titration must go through Right to Choose (RTC) providers. Only these providers can ask us to take over prescribing.

Follow the link for a full list of approved Right to Choose Providers which are authorised to provide NHS ADHD medication prescriptions.

What About Children and Teenagers?

We know NHS services for young people are very limited right now, and waiting times can be very long. Because of this, we may accept Shared Care Agreements from private providers for children, but this will be decided by your usual GP.

What If I’m Diagnosed with Autism and Want NHS Support?

The Post-Diagnostic Support Service is closing on 31 March 2025. It’s being replaced by the Adult Autism Keyworker Service. You can find more information here.

Already on ADHD Medication from a Private Provider?

If your provider is not part of the NHS-approved RTC list, we can’t take over your prescriptions. You will need to continue getting your medication through your private provider.

Need Support or More Info?

You can find helpful resources, advice, and support at the new online hub.

This hub includes:

• Help for children, young people, and adults with ADHD or autism
• Information about support available with or without a diagnosis
• Updates on Right to Choose
• Links to local and national support organisations