Adult ADHD referrals have been stopped by the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT).
Adult ADHD referrals in Berkshire have been temporarily stopped by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT). The pause began on Monday (December 1).
BHFT says the move is to protect patient safety and ensure the service remains sustainable. Healthwatch West Berkshire adds the service has seen unprecedented demand, far beyond what it was originally designed or commissioned to deliver.
The trust says it is now getting more referrals in a single month than it expected to assess in an entire year. More than 4,000 people are on the waiting list, and over 1,100 patients already prescribed ADHD medication are waiting for their annual reviews, with some delayed by up to three years.
National shortages of some ADHD medications are also adding pressure on clinicians and patients. BHFT warns that without action the service risks becoming unsafe and unsustainable, which could affect care for everyone who relies on it.
During the pause BHFT will focus on catching up on overdue annual ADHD reviews and prioritise supporting people already on medication, to make sure they get safe monitoring and appropriate follow‑up.
People with lived experience, local partners and voluntary organisations will help shape a new model of care to better meet Berkshire’s needs. Families and individuals with ADHD or autism can also access local advice and support services, and Berkshire Healthcare’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available for anyone wanting more information or guidance about the changes.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
