Response to autism report, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

This report contains the service provider response to Healthwatch Cheshire East’s ‘Living with autism report’, published October 2015. Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust responded to each of the 5 key points highlighted in the initial findings report.

The initial Healthwatch Cheshire East report found that there were differing waiting times for diagnosis assessments for children and young people in Cheshire East CCG and South Cheshire/ Vale Royal CCGs. The provider suggested that the waiting times for both localities have decreased since the year prior to the report and has reviewed the assessment pathways. The provider acknowledged the findings that there is a lack of post-diagnostic support and suggested that, while this support does not fall into their remit, that the local CCGs and CAMHS were investigating providing support. The finding that the high number of appointments attended by children and young people with comorbidities was acknowledged but suggested that this cannot be avoided for numerous reasons. The lack of adult services was said to be addressed by the local CCGs. The provider disagreed that there is a lack of information provided to patients, stating that an information pack and parenting group are offered.

This service provider report did not include recommendations.