03/11/2025
***Sharing from Hampshire Parent Carer Network***
Right to Choose for Autism and ADHD is NOT paused in Hampshire. There’s been some confusion online about Autism and ADHD assessments.
The Right to Choose pathway has NOT been paused. Some individual providers have simply reached their agreed capacity, which means they can’t take new referrals right now but others can.
If your provider has paused referrals, you can still ask to be referred to another NHS approved provider under Right to Choose. Your right remains in place.
You can ask to be referred to a different NHS provider if your assessment hasn't started yet. However, due to high demand across all services, this may not result in a shorter wait. If you stay with your current provider, you will remain on their waiting list and be seen according to their process. If a clinician believes you need to be seen urgently, there are processes in place to make sure this happens.
You will not be discharged from your provider while you are still receiving treatment, and any reviews of medication will continue.
Private Assessments: We know some patients have chosen to seek private assessments. It's important to be aware that NHS services, including GPs, are not required to prescribe medication recommended by private providers. This decision will always be based on clinical judgement and NHS prescribing guidelines.
The ICB NHS update also confirms:
• Capacity for Right to Choose has increased by 167% this year.
• A new diagnostic pathway will be designed by March 2026.
• Support before diagnosis will expand, with better advice and access to help.
• Work continues to shorten waiting times and improve the whole process.
Hampshire Parent Carer Network is working with the ICB to help design this new pathway and we want parents and carers to be part of that work.
If you’d like to have your voice heard and help shape how future ADHD and Autism services work, join HPCN and get involved in co-producing the new pathway.
