ADHD Medication

Requests to transfer prescribing from private providers

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Our approach to supporting patients with ADHD

We recognise that accessing an ADHD diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, particularly given the significant waiting times for NHS services. We also appreciate that some patients have chosen to seek private assessments and treatment, often at considerable financial expense. A note this process overview is also applicable to “right to chose” providers.

As a surgery, we recognise the wider public health challenges associated with accessing timely ADHD care and the potential impact on patients' wellbeing, daily lives and finances.

In response, we have voluntarily developed an agreed policy and process to consider requests to take over prescribing from private ADHD specialists.

Our aim is to support patients wherever it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so. However, accepting prescribing responsibility is not automatic, and each request must be considered individually.

1. What information do we need from your private ADHD specialist?

Before we can consider taking over prescribing, we need to be satisfied that your assessment, treatment and ongoing care arrangements meet appropriate safety standards and national and local guidance.

We will review the following:

Your ADHD diagnosis

• Your assessment was carried out by a UK-based provider and an appropriately qualified, registered healthcare professional with expertise in ADHD.
• We have received detailed assessment reports and clinic letters explaining how your diagnosis was reached, in line with national and local guidance.
• Your assessment considered your symptoms, their impact on daily life, your medical history and any other physical or mental health conditions that could affect your diagnosis or treatment.

Your medication and treatment

• Your specialist has started your medication and reviewed how well it works for you, including any side effects.
• Your medication has been adjusted as needed and you have been stable on an agreed dose for at least 3 to 6 months.
• Your specialist has considered whether your medication could interact with other medicines, worsen any existing health conditions/risks or present other safety concerns.
• Appropriate physical health checks have been completed and documented, including your blood pressure, heart rate and weight, alongside any additional assessments needed e.g. an ECG where applicable
• There is a clear plan for ongoing specialist support and monitoring.

2. What happens when we receive a request?

Once your specialist has formally requested that the surgery takes over prescribing, our clinical pharmacy team will carefully review the information provided.

Your case will then be discussed at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting.

An MDT is a meeting involving different healthcare professionals, including GPs and pharmacists, who bring together their clinical knowledge and experience to make decisions about patient care.

This helps us consider your individual circumstances, the suitability of your medication, any potential safety concerns and whether the surgery can safely take responsibility for ongoing prescriptions.

We appreciate that you may have already experienced lengthy delays in accessing treatment. However, reviewing the information thoroughly is important to ensure that any decision is safe and in your best interests.

The process usually takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks once we have received the necessary information. We aim to keep you updated on progress, usually by text message (SMS). More complex requests, or those requiring additional information, may take longer.

3. What happens after the review?

Following the MDT discussion, we will contact you to explain the outcome and any next steps.

There are three main possible outcomes:

1. We agree to take over prescribing

Your request is accepted and a shared care agreement is put in place. This means your specialist and the surgery share responsibility for different aspects of your ongoing treatment, with clear arrangements for prescribing, monitoring and specialist follow-up.

2. We need further information before making a decision

We are unable to accept the request at this stage, but may reconsider once additional information, assessments or clarification have been provided by your specialist.

3. We are unable to take over prescribing

We may decide that taking over prescribing would not be appropriate or safe at this time. We will explain the reasons for this decision and, where possible, advise you on potential next steps.
Please note that your private specialist remains responsible for your medication and ongoing prescribing unless and until the surgery formally agrees to take over this responsibility.

4. What happens if we agree to prescribe your ADHD medication?

ADHD medication requires regular monitoring to ensure it remains effective and safe.

If we accept a shared care agreement, you will need to attend:

• An annual physical health assessment at the surgery, including weight, body mass index (BMI), heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure.
• An annual medication review with a clinical pharmacist, to discuss how your medication is working, any side effects and whether it remains appropriate.
• Additional monitoring appointments, including checks between annual reviews, as required by national guidance and your individual treatment plan.
• Ongoing specialist reviews, as required by the shared care agreement.

These are mandatory requirements of our prescribing arrangements and are important for your safety.

If the required monitoring or specialist follow-up is not completed, we may need to review whether we can safely continue prescribing your medication.

Our commitment to you

We understand that navigating ADHD services can be frustrating and that accessing treatment may already have involved significant time and financial commitments.

Our approach is intended to provide a fair, transparent and consistent way of considering requests, while ensuring that patient safety remains our priority.

We will consider each request individually, communicate our decisions clearly and support you in understanding the next steps in your care.