Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has received the Government's responses to a series of Written Parliamentary Questions he tabled on improving access to ADHD and autism assessments, while calling for further action to reduce waiting times and ensure patients receive fair and timely care.
The questions focused on how NHS Right to Choose services are funded and commissioned, whether the current payment system properly reflects the difference between straightforward and more complex assessments, and what more can be done to improve capacity across England.
In its responses, the Government acknowledged that demand for ADHD and autism assessments has risen sharply in recent years, leading to significant delays for many patients. Ministers said improving access is a priority through the NHS 10-Year Health Plan and confirmed that the ongoing independent review into ADHD, autism and mental health support will help shape future policy.
Julian also asked whether introducing a more flexible payment system for Right to Choose providers could encourage more organisations to take on complex cases rather than focusing on simpler assessments. The Government said NHS England is already developing work to better understand the costs of ADHD and autism assessments to support a more consistent approach to funding, but stopped short of committing to a new tariff structure.
Further questions examined whether current funding arrangements properly recognise patients with more complex needs, whether commissioning arrangements could better support providers treating those cases, and whether changes to payment models could improve patient access while reducing waiting lists. Ministers again pointed to ongoing NHS work and the independent review rather than announcing new policies.
Julian also sought assurances that local commissioning decisions would continue to protect patients' legal Right to Choose. The Government reaffirmed that this right remains protected in law and said Integrated Care Boards are expected to ensure their commissioning arrangements comply with those legal duties.
You can read all of Julian’s written parliamentary questions here.
