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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
10 June 2025
Lead MP
Freddie van Mierlo
Henley and Thame
LD
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
Tags
NHSEconomy
Word Count: 3737
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Freddie van Mierlo raised concerns about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
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.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
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.
Oxford West and Abingdon
Asked about the absence of a commissioned service for specialist reviews in Oxfordshire, necessary under NICE guidelines.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Rotherham
Responded to questions regarding shared care agreements and ADHD medication access issues, suggesting discussions with local ICBs.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Raised concerns about constituents facing barriers due to the shared care model, with some unable to access necessary medication despite having a diagnosis.
Tiverton and Minehead
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.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
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 Smyth
The Minister for Secondary Care
Government Response
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.