House of Commons · Westminster Hall
10 June 2025 · 7 other contributors · 3,737 words
Opened by Freddie van Mierlo Lib Dem Henley and Thame
Responding minister: Karin Smyth
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Freddie van Mierlo raised concerns about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP calls on the Government to review the shared care model and ensure that private diagnoses are accepted by schools and healthcare providers, addressing the barriers faced by those with ADHD in accessing necessary treatment and support.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
In Oxfordshire, there are long waiting lists for ADHD diagnosis and treatment, with over 2,385 individuals on the waiting list in March. The average wait time is seven and a half years, leading to situations where patients, upon reaching adulthood, find no further service available. Additionally, annual reviews of condition management through NHS provision are not consistently available, causing disruptions in medication access for diagnosed individuals.
Suggested universal screening for neurodiverse conditions at primary school to better support young people with ADHD and their teachers, advocating for increased teacher training on such conditions.
Noted the issue of long waiting lists in Northern Ireland and highlighted that schools do not accept private diagnoses, leading to difficulties for those who go down the private route.
Asked about the absence of a commissioned service for specialist reviews in Oxfordshire, necessary under NICE guidelines.
Responded to questions regarding shared care agreements and ADHD medication access issues, suggesting discussions with local ICBs.
Raised concerns about constituents facing barriers due to the shared care model, with some unable to access necessary medication despite having a diagnosis.
The hon. Member shares her personal experience of being a mother to someone with ADHD who was not diagnosed until adulthood, raising concerns about discrimination against people with ADHD in major institutions such as the British Army, RAF, Royal Navy, and police.
Emphasised the need for targeted information provision by Government and local authorities to help marginalised groups navigate ADHD diagnosis processes more effectively.
Government Response
Karin SmythThe Minister for Secondary Care
The Minister acknowledges the challenges faced by the NHS in managing increased demand for ADHD assessments and support. She explains that the trust in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West made a difficult decision to close its waiting list due to unmanageable patient safety risks. The Government has commissioned an independent ADHD taskforce to develop recommendations beyond just the health system, focusing on needs-based approaches and support beyond medication. Updated the House on ADHD medicine supply issues, confirmed actions taken to resolve shortages, and committed to an event in autumn to update MPs on progress.