Dear Patients

We understand that many people rely on ADHD medication as part of their treatment for ADHD. Access to prescriptions is an important part of this. However, we felt it was important to let know about an important change in how our practice will manage ADHD prescriptions going forward, for both adults through psychiatry UK (our local NHS service for ADHD treatment) and through CAHMS (our local NHS service for paediatric ADHD treatment).

Going forwards, our practice will not be accepting shared care agreements indefinitely for prescribing of ADHD medications. We have made this decision after careful consideration, and the reasons for this are listed below:

ADHD medication is a highly specialised treatment that requires:

• Careful diagnosis and initiation by a specialist.
• Regular specialist monitoring, including physical health checks and dose adjustments.
• Detailed and specific prescribing protocols.
• Some ADHD medications are also controlled drugs (such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine) which are liable to stricter rules and regulations.

In recent years there has been a significant rise in the number of shared care requests which has placed immense pressure on GP services, while the complexity and monitoring of ADHD is very specialised in nature. Unfortunately due to this, we do not have the training, capacity or resources to safely provide this ongoing prescribing to such a large group of patients outside of the care of the specialist team. Continuing to do so could risk patient safety and compromise the quality of care we aim to provide for all our patients.

What does this mean for you?

• If you already have a shared care agreement in place with an NHS approved provider locally (such as psychiatry UK or CAHMS), we will continue to honour these already existing shared care agreements until the current specialist plan ends. If a new medication is started, the ongoing management and prescribing would need to be done by the specialist ADHD provider.
• If you are currently being assessed by an NHS service, please be aware that our practice will not be able to take over prescribing. Your specialist will need to continue to provide your medication and monitoring going forward.
• We recommend that if you do not currently have a shared care agreement in place and you are currently being started on medication or trialling/titrating medication, that you discuss with your specialist team how your prescriptions and reviews will be managed going forwards.

Where can I get help?

• From your specialist ADHD service - your care team should continue to prescribe and monitor your medication.
• NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
• https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/caring-for-children-and-young-people/children-and-young-peoples-services/

We know this change may be disappointing for some patients. Please be assured our decision is based on patient safety and the need to ensure that all our services remain safe and sustainable for the whole community.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Whaddon Healthcare