Shared Care for ADHD with Private Clinics

TMC are no longer agreeing to Shared Care for any patient diagnosed privately with ADHD. This will include not continuing prescriptions or monitoring for those patients prescribed ADHD medications privately as of May 1st 2025

We are doing this as the BMA guidance states “Shared care with private providers is not recommended due to the general constitution principle of keeping as clear a separation as possible between private and NHS care” - General practice responsibility in responding to private healthcare

If a patient seeks assessment or diagnosis privately or through a provider acting in a private capacity (non-NHS) the GP is under no obligation to continue to prescribe treatment.

We also have concerns that some private clinics are not following protocols on the prescribing of ADHD drugs. These drugs are controlled drugs that have a significant impact on patients. We strongly value the safety of our patients and commit to safe prescribing and in some cases this has been a concern. We do not feel it in our remit as General Practioners to police private providers in this regards

We will continue to honour those shared care agreements that have already been agreed before May 1st 2025, but strongly encourage those patients to attend for reviews with their psychiatrist regularly or as stated

Please note that this impacts private assessments only. If an NHS commissioned service has asked for shared care, once the case has been evaluated and deemed safe and appropriate to do so, then the GP responsible can sign the shared care agreement

We appreciate that this will cause some distress. We are happy to signpost and referfor NHS services through “Right to Choose”.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to provide the best possible care to our community