This information is relevant to patients living in Suffolk (excluding Waveney). If you live in Norfolk or Waveney, please continue to access your prescribed ADHD medications in the usual way.
(Information updated 23 December 2025)
FAQs – Adult Autism and ADHD waiting times to be aligned with physical healthcare at 45 weeks for new referrals
Over several months, new referrals for Autism assessment and ADHD assessment and treatment have significantly increased across the country. Locally commissioned Adult Autism and ADHD waiting times are significant. More patients are aware that they are able to choose a different provider through NHS Patient Choice (Right to Choose) regulations with GPs able to make a referral if they consider it clinically appropriate and the chosen service will meet the patient’s needs. ICBs are considering different ways to manage the increase in demand in a fair and equitable manner.
What is happening, why is this happening and what can patients expect to see?
The ICB recognises any lengthy wait for people needing Autism assessment and ADHD assessment and treatment is not ideal. Our ambition over time is to reduce waiting times in agreement with national planning priorities. We are working with local providers to achieve this aim and to ensure there is equitable access to services for everyone.
Please see below a set of FAQs which are designed to answer some of the questions you may have. These questions and answers will be updated at regular intervals.
Who is affected?
Adult patients (aged 18 or over) being referred for an adult Autism assessment or ADHD assessment and treatment services under NHS ‘Patient Choice’ (Right to Choose). They, on average, have to wait 45 weeks for their assessment.
Providers will be permitted to assess patients sooner on an exceptional basis if patients meet their risk assessment criteria indicating an assessment needs to be expedited.
What is contributing to this increase in waiting time for assessment?
There has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking and being referred for Autism assessment and ADHD assessment and treatment. This has led to an increase in the amount of time patients are having to wait to access a clinician for assessment and treatment.
Is this wait typical across the country?
Yes, there have been significant increases in demand for these assessments across the country.
Could I have my assessment now and treatment/medication later?
We do not believe it is clinically appropriate for patients to have their assessment and diagnosis to then wait long periods to start treatment. Ideally there should be a minimal delay between a positive diagnosis and access to treatment.
Why are some providers stating they have lower wait times for assessment within their services?
There are a few reasons for this. The way in which providers publish their waiting times may vary. Some providers progress ADHD assessments in a stepped approach with a separate wait to be able to access treatment. Some providers are new to delivering services and do not have the same level of referrals, but this tends to increase very quickly due to high demand.
Some GP practices will stop prescribing ADHD medications for their patients.
Please see below a set of Frequently Asked Questions about what will happen and how these changes may affect you if you are prescribed ADHD medication from your GP practice.
This system is currently putting in place new arrangements and we will keep this page updated at regular intervals when details are confirmed.
What is changing?
Some GP practices will return responsibility for prescribing ADHD medications to the specialist teams. If this happens, the GP practice should have written to the patient and their ADHD specialist to let them know. The notice to the ADHD specialist should be at least three months before the GP stops prescribing.
Why is this change happening?
GP practices are under a lot of pressure. Each practice needs to focus on providing the services that they must offer under the terms of their contract.
Some specialist medications are only safe for GPs to prescribe under a ‘Shared Care Agreement’ – which includes ADHD treatments.
GPs do not have to prescribe shared care medications if they feel unable to do so or if they are not able to do this in a safe manner – it is not part of their contract and has always been a core part of the specialist role.
On account of the pressures, the local medical committees (LMCs) in Suffolk and Essex have recommended that GPs stop prescribing ADHD medications and return responsibility for this back to ADHD specialists.
My GP has written to me to say that they are withdrawing from prescribing my ADHD medicine. Do I need to do anything?
Some GP practices may decide they can no longer safely continue to prescribe ADHD medications and provide the necessary ongoing medication monitoring, which is a service that falls outside of their core GP work.
In the event that your GP practice chooses to withdraw from this, the responsibility for prescribing your ADHD medication should be passed back to the specialist service where you received your initial diagnosis.
Your GP practice should share information with your specialist team to ensure a smooth handover, and patients should be contacted by their specialist team before this change happens.
What is a ‘Shared Care Agreement’?
A ‘Shared Care Agreement’ (SCA) is needed for some specialist medications. It is an agreement between a GP and a specialist and assumes certain responsibilities of the patient. Under an SCA the GP agrees to prescribe the medication and carry out any tests, for example, blood pressure etc reverting to the specialist if there are issues.
Which organisations currently provide specialist ADHD services across Suffolk?
The following organisations provide specialist ADHD services across Suffolk:
- West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) Integrated Community Paediatric team
- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT)
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (the organisation which manages Ipswich and Colchester hospitals)
For some patients, their ADHD specialist will be part of a different organisation. For example, organisations that offer virtual and/or online services to patients.
What will this mean for me or my family member who relies on this medication?
It will mean a new way for patients (adults and children) to order their ADHD medication. Patients may have to go elsewhere for monitoring procedures, such as blood pressure.
What will the new arrangements look like?
This depends on who the patient’s ADHD specialist is. For some patients, their ADHD specialist will prescribe their ADHD medications and arrange any tests that might be needed.
For other patients, a new local ADHD service will prescribe their ADHD medications and arrange any tests that might be needed. This service will go live on 1 April 2025.
For patients that privately funded their ADHD assessment, different arrangements will apply. Please contact your practice for further information.
Who will supply my medication?
Please liaise with your GP practice.
I’ve received treatment for ADHD under a Right to Choose provider, does that impact my ability to receive prescriptions from my GP?
The decision regarding ongoing prescribing, regardless of the provider, is a GP level decision.
I’ve received a diagnosis of ADHD from a private provider, can my GP take over prescribing?
No. Please see information for patients considering privately funding ADHD assessment which explains this in more detail.
I’ve privately funded diagnoses for ADHD, can I transfer back to NHS care now for ongoing prescribing?
Please see information for patients considering privately funding ADHD assessment which explains this in more detail.
Should I go private?
If you are considering seeking private treatment, you should always discuss this with your GP surgery before taking action. Please see information for patients considering privately funding ADHD assessment which explains this in more detail.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about these changes, please email the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the ICB who will refer your query to the relevant provider.
**Please note the above is only applicable if you have received a letter from your practice telling you that things are changing**