ADHD & Autism Assessments – Right to Choose and Private Providers

Castlemead Medical Centre Patient Guidance

We understand that waiting times for ADHD and Autism assessments can be long, and many patients choose to use alternative routes such as Right to Choose (RtC) or private assessments. The guidance below explains how our practice supports referrals and what our responsibilities are regarding prescriptions, investigations and shared care.

1. Right to Choose (NHS-funded) referrals

Patients may request an assessment for ADHD or Autism through the NHS Right to Choose pathway if:

• They meet the clinical criteria for referral.
• They provide all forms, questionnaires and provider documents required.
• Their chosen provider accepts NHS referrals under Right to Choose.

Once we receive the completed documents, we will provide a referral or summary letter and submit this to the chosen provider.

After the referral has been submitted, all questions must be directed to your RtC provider.
The practice is not involved in appointment chasing, waiting lists, or administration once the referral is sent.

A diagnosis from a private or RtC provider does not speed up access to local NHS ADHD or Autism services.

2. Private assessments

Patients may choose to pay privately for assessment and treatment.
This is separate from the NHS and remains a private arrangement between the patient and the provider.

3. Prescribing and ADHD medication

Castlemead Medical Centre is not obliged to prescribe medication recommended by private or RtC providers.

This includes:

• Converting a private prescription to an NHS prescription.
• Taking over ongoing prescribing of ADHD medicines, even after titration and dose stabilisation.

If you choose a private or RtC provider, all medication must be prescribed and monitored by that provider.

4. Shared-care agreements

Shared care is a voluntary agreement between an NHS specialist and a GP.

At present:

• There is no local shared-care arrangement for ADHD medication in Leicestershire from right to choose services.
• We do not accept shared-care requests from private providers or Right to Choose providers.

Because no local shared-care agreement exists, Castlemead Medical Centre will not take over prescribing, monitoring or investigations for ADHD medication initiated externally.

5. Investigations and monitoring

If a private or RtC provider requires tests such as:

• Blood tests
• ECG
• Blood pressure readings
• Physical examinations

These must be arranged and paid for through the provider.
We are not obliged to perform or interpret investigations requested by external organisations where this falls outside routine NHS primary care.

6. Ongoing care options

If you prefer NHS care:

• You may join the local NHS waiting list for ADHD or Autism services.
• Waiting times are currently long and are not affected by obtaining a private or RtC diagnosis.

Summary

For ADHD and Autism assessments:

• Right to Choose referrals are supported, provided patients complete the required documentation.
• Private assessments are allowed, but remain private arrangements.
• We do not prescribe ADHD medication from private or RtC providers.
• We do not accept shared care for ADHD medication from private or RtC providers.

We provide a system of shared care with the doctors, midwives and the hospital consultants.

Mrs Sarah Fox, The Community Midwife, provides care and support to women during pregnancy and after the birth. Antenatal clinics run Health Centre. Patients can contact the surgery for information on new bookings. Women accessing the service can book via QR code which is on a big pink poster in the surgery or they can also google Leicester maternity which brings up 'register with a midwife' and they can complete the form.Would not include private physio

We recommend that those people with asthma attend the surgery for an annual review. This is to ensure that you are on the most appropriate medication and to provide advice on how to best care for the condition as it affects you.

These appointments are with the Practice Nurse.

If you are caring for a family member, neighbour or friend, you are entitled to be registered as a carer.

Please ask any of the reception staff if you require more information.

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It is recommended that routine smear tests be carried out on women aged 25-49 every 3 years and women aged 50-64 every 5 years.

You will be sent a letter from the Health Authority by post telling you when this is due and inviting you to make an appointment for this to be carried out.

We can provide evening and weekend appointments at Hinckley Centre Surgery as well as weekday appointments at our Hinckley and Pine Close Sites.

Update your name, address, phone numbers or email address.

Clinics held every Thursday 

The childhood vaccinations are now given in rapid succession at two, three and four months to protect against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio and meningitis.

It is very important that your child has these vaccinations.

Please feel free to discuss any concerns you may have with the doctor or health visitor. 

Nasal spray flu vaccine Offers the best protection against flu. It is given as a spray squirted up each nostril. It's quick and painless. For some children the nasal spray is not suitable for medical reasons. Our team will review the medical information submitted before offering the flu vaccine injection.

The nasal vaccine contains traces of a highly processed form of porcine gelatine.

All our diabetic patients are offered regular reviews every 6 to 12 months with the doctor or the nurse.

Please telephone the surgery or ask at the reception desk for further information.

We do not provide contraceptive service in house however all the Doctors and Nurses provide contraceptive advice in normal surgery time. Repeat prescriptions or follow up appointments can be arranged solely with the Practice Nurse.