adhd-uk-logo-for-mega-menu

Right to Choose (NHS England)

Introduction

If you are based in England under the NHS you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and your choice of mental healthcare team. This important right means that, for instance, should you decide the waiting time for your ADHD assessment is too long, then you can choose alternative providers.  The provider must supply the service to the NHS somewhere in England. The providers we are aware of are listed below and we update the list regularly.

Right to Choose within mental health is a relatively new option (since 2018) and as such, not all patients, GPs or other clinicians are aware of it and how it works. We’ve got an explanation targeted for people going through the ADHD Assessment process below.

For how Right to Choose fits into the diagnosis pathway please click here. We’ve also got a downloadable support letter for anyone who finds their GP has initially declined them.

You will also find significant amounts of information via the NHS link on NHS choices below:

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/

Read the adult diagnosis pathway first

This is a detailed page on Right to Choose which aims to provide additional information for those that need it. To understand the context and use of Right to Choose it is important to read the Adult Diagnosis Pathway page first.

Click for Adult Diagnosis Pathway

The Right to Choose System

Patients have the Right to Choose when the following conditions are met:

  • the NHS practice is in England (different rules apply for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
  • the General Practitioner has agreed to make clinically appropriate outpatient referral (Of note: The decision to make a referral is the GPs responsibility and separate from Right to Choose. Right to Choose is a patient’s right to decide where that referral is to

The above is designed to be wide ranging in its application to patient choice. However. there are certain restrictions on a patient’s Right to Choose that you should be aware of. Patients cannot use Right to Choose is they are:

  • already receiving mental health care following an elective referral for the same condition
  • referred to a service that is commissioned by a local authority, for example a drug and alcohol service (unless commissioned under a Section 75 agreement)
  • accessing urgent or emergency (crisis) care
  • accessing services delivered through a primary care contract
  • in high secure psychiatric services
  • detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
  • detained in a secure setting. This includes people in or on temporary release from prisons, courts, secure children’s homes, certain secure training centres, immigration removal centres or young offender institutions
  • serving as a member of the armed forces (family members in England have the same rights as other residents of England.

There are restrictions on who the patient can direct their care to. Patients cannot refer to just any provider. The provider must:

  • have a commissioning contract with any Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) or NHS England for the required service
  • have the service and team led by a consultant or a mental healthcare professional

Common GP queries include:

  • does an IFR (Individual Funding Request) need to be in place? It does not
  • does the CCG need to be asked permission? It does not

For the avoidance of any doubt: It is our clear understanding, and we know of hundreds who have done so, that an ADHD Assessment falls under Right to Choose.

As a charity we are passionate about helping those with ADHD. We are aware of many long waiting lists within the NHS and therefore will direct people to Right to Choose. If you think it would help, we are also happy to mediate and advocate for those patients where their Right to Choose is being discussed. If you would like to get in touch please contact us.

Right to Choose Providers – ADHD Assessments

We are aware of the following Right to Choose providers. If you are aware of any more then please let us know. To be notified of new providers as we learn about them please join our mailing list.

List of providers and potential waiting times click or visit https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/ 

Online support for neurodivergent patients

Patients of any age seeking support with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can now use a new online hub at www.NDKentAndMedway.co.uk.    

The hub contains information and links to local and national support for neurodivergent adults, children and young people.
Patients can access the support with or without a diagnosis, and you may find the hub useful even if you are already on a waiting list.  
The hub will continue to develop over time as users can submit resources to be considered for inclusion.
More information can be found on the ICB website.