If a person has a private Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment then they should be prescribed medication on the NHS to speed up treatment and cut NHS waiting lists.
Christine Jardine MP for Edinburgh West said that this will address the disadvantages experienced by those unable to afford private prescriptions. While The Scottish Government sets the policy it is for local NHS boards to implement the policies. Ms Jardine has asked Tom Arthur Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing to consider a new national policy.
She said: “If the Scottish Government is serious about reducing waiting lists, this is a very clear and simple way to start moving towards that goal.
“I am frequently contacted by constituents whose GPs refuse to prescribe life changing ADHD medication, even when the diagnosis comes from an NHS recognised assessor. This simply makes no sense.
“Allowing shared care eases pressure on our overstretched NHS, where waiting lists can stretch up to five years. Families on lower incomes are disproportionately disadvantaged, many cannot afford private prescriptions, leaving them without treatment or waiting years for an assessment. Children, meanwhile, are left struggling through crucial educational years. This situation is deeply frustrating and distressing for families and ultimately prolongs NHS waiting lists.”
