NHS bosses warn of chaos in ADHD and autism care

NHS officials are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating state of care for individuals with autism and ADHD, warning that the system could descend into chaos. The NHS Alliance, representing health managers, claims the existing model is a poor deal for both patients and taxpayers. The group highlights vast discrepancies in what the NHS pays for assessments and services, with a single health board paying between £300 and £3,000 for comparable services.

The rapid growth of new providers, both private and charity-run, has overwhelmed NHS managers' efforts to maintain quality and safety. The government plans to publish an independent review of the services soon, with promises of a new national approach for autism, ADHD, and mental health. Meanwhile, the NHS Alliance has been gathering data from integrated care boards about the current state of care.

The right to choose policy allows patients to opt for care from NHS or non-NHS providers, aiming to reduce lengthy waiting lists, but has resulted in soaring costs. Some boards report costs increasing tenfold in a year, with annual spending surging from £4 million to £30 million over two years. The Alliance warns of a lack of regulation for non-NHS providers, who only need to follow guide prices rather than set tariffs.

Health managers are caught between addressing the frustration caused by long waiting times and the soaring costs that are spiraling out of control. Rebecca Gray of the NHS Alliance emphasizes the situation is a "bad deal for patients and taxpayers" and risks leading to system-wide chaos. Mel Merritt of the National Autistic Society acknowledges the crisis, noting that spending on short-term solutions has risen due to years of inadequate long-term investment, while delays in care persist for many.