Charity challenges NHS board's pause of ADHD referrals for over-25s

A charity supporting people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is preparing a legal challenge against a regional NHS board that has temporarily stopped accepting referrals for adults over 25.

- Rachel Hall

NHS Coventry and Warwickshire integrated care board paused new referrals for people over 25 from 21 May to reduce waiting lists for children.

Several other integrated care boards (ICBs), including Herefordshire and Worcestershire and some in London, have previously paused ADHD referrals but have accredited other providers for GPs to send referrals to under "right to choose" legislation.

ADHD UK understands this is the first time local people aged over 25 will be able to obtain an assessment only by paying privately, which one former patient did at a cost of £1,500.

The charity is beginning the process to mount a legal challenge under the right to choose legislation, which allows patients to choose their provider for certain healthcare services when referred by their GP.