NHS pilot offers ADHD assessments closer to home

An NHS pilot in Sussex has so far provided ADHD assessments to more than 300 people, offering support closer to home.

Adults in Brighton & Hove, Crawley and Hastings can now access care through a neighbourhood-based scheme called ADHD Primary Care Connect, which allows patients registered at a practice in the pilot area to be referred by their GP.

The pilot has been developed by NHS organisations in Sussex as part of efforts to tackle rising demand.

Oliver Dale, chief medical officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said about 12,000 people in Sussex are currently waiting for an ADHD assessment.

The scheme is aimed at adults whose needs can be safely supported in primary care, while people with more complex mental health or neurodevelopmental needs will continue to be seen by specialist services.

As well as assessment, patients can receive up to 12 months of tailored, holistic support from a dedicated care coordinator, including advice and help accessing community services.

Brighton GP Rebecca Jarvis said it was about bringing care closer to people's homes, adding: "We know people want care that feels joined-up, supportive and easier to access locally."

Dale said delays could have a "significant impact" on patients and their families, adding: "We have been really troubled by the fact that so many of our residents of Sussex are not getting access to assessments for ADHD and treatment that they need."

He said the pilot reflected "a new way of working", with strong partnerships and a different clinical approach.

The service is currently running across more than 50 GP practices.

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