ADHD UK has threatened legal action against the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) over its policy of a minimum two-year wait for autism and ADHD assessments. The policy was introduced earlier this year and affects patients in Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.
Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK, told The Guardian that the charity had sent a “formal notice” warning the ICB it is “prepared to go to court”. The charity will seek a judicial review. Henry said the processes used to bring in the policy had been completed “incorrectly” and “in some cases improperly”. ADHD UK claims the ICB:
- breached equalities law
- stopped patients using their Right to Choose
- failed to involve patients and the public in the decision
- breached NHS contract rules
The article notes that other ICBs have also brought in minimum waiting times, including Devon, Somerset, and North East and North Cumbria, citing rising costs. A further 11 ICBs are reported to have restricted assessments in other ways. A government review led by Professor Peter Fonagy is expected to recommend a “needs-based system”, where patients are triaged and can get support without a formal diagnosis. West Yorkshire ICB declined to comment, as the matter may be subject to legal proceedings.
You can read the full article here: https://autismeye.com/assessment-waiting-times/#more
