“The charity ADHD UK, which obtained the figures, said the NHS’s lack of communication showed it was trying to hide that “cruel” curbs on assessment were being widely used to help it cope with a squeeze on its budget.
Henry Shelford, ADHD UK’s chief executive, said: “Waiting times for assessments are already horrendously long and it’s shocking to see how the NHS is further rationing people’s care to save money. It’s cruel but increasingly widespread.”
“We’re seeing ICBs curb patients’ access to ADHD assessment without telling GPs or patients that they are doing this, and without having made any assessment of the consequences.
“The NHS should be ashamed of itself for such secrecy and hiding the fact that they are depriving people of this vital type of care.”
Adults and children awaiting an ADHD assessment in many parts of England already faced long delays – on average eight years – in getting an appointment. Limiting access to assessments will force affected people to wait even longer, Shelford said.
