Referrals to NHS ADHD and ASD clinics
Until recently there was no referral pathway for adults (over 18) in Cornwall with possible ADHD. There is now however a service available on the NHS. Given the popularity of this new service it’s been swamped with referrals for those who were until recently unable to have an assessment and waiting times are currently VERY long, potentially 10-12 years at present. The service is commissioned to see 80 patients a year, yet receives 150 referrals a month.
Referrals to the ADHD clinic require the patient to have both a completed ASRS V1.1 questionnaire, and an accompanying patient account of symptoms. This can be several paragraphs or 1 page detailing your symptoms, what you or others have noticed, and what you struggle with in day-to-day life.
There is a long waiting time for Autism/ASD assessments too of several years.
You can request a GP appointment, with this information ready, and the GP can discuss referral to the NHS clinic with you.
Referrals via ‘Right To Choose’ and ‘Shared Care Agreements’
Patients can express their Right To Choose RTC to have an ADHD or ASD assessment with an alternative provider.
Patients can also arrange their own private assessment and self-fund this appointment.
Some specialists may suggest Shared Care Agreements for treatments.
We suggest patients carefully read Penryn Surgery’s stance on Shared Care Agreements with NHS and Private Organisations before deciding which route they would like to take.
