Feedback on ADHD clinic for adults

The ADHD service for Islington and Camden residents, which was introduced in 2013/14, for 18 and over, is provided by the Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. The service, which is for residents aged 18 and over, provides specialist assessment, as well as medical and psychological interventions where necessary. With over 400 referrals made to the service each year, Islington CCG, with the help of Healthwatch and talks with the Camden and Islington Foundation Trust, are reviewing the service with the aim to reduce waiting times.

Seven service users were asked about their experience with; The assessment process; Medication and Group work.

Excessive forms, additional health checks, waiting for the GP checks (due to the NICE guidance of patient prescriptions) delayed the assessment process from 6 to 12 months with some of the participants finding the initial interview distressing and the wait excruciating for their mental health.

It was felt that other staff such as nurses and volunteer (with lived in experience) could have been involved in the process.

There were mixed feelings about group support/work as the respondents all had different symptoms. Three respondents found group sessions would have been useful while others were not so sure.

Overall HW gave some additional thoughts/suggestions to help improve the service.

• Is there a way of making it quicker for patients to have their medication reviewed by the Trust, if their GP is unable to do this?

• Patients were very willing to consider alternative models if this would help others (or themselves) to be seen more quickly.

• There was a suggestion that it would be helpful to access support and advice whilst waiting for assessment. This seems like a good idea as most people who are sent for assessment do end up with a diagnosis, but even if they do not, they could benefit from the learning around issues such as sleep hygiene.