Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to undertake a review of ADHD diagnostic pathways, including the role of independent sector providers, to ensure assessments are evidence-based, clinically robust and consistent across England.

The Government is committed to supporting people to have equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services, irrespective of their service provider. We recognise that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The independent sector provides important service capacity within ADHD services.

It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to ADHD services in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. NHS England has issued advice to local systems on ADHD service delivery and prioritisation, including guidance on managing service provisions, reviewing waiting lists, and providing patient support.

Departmental officials engage regularly with the Care Quality Commission on matters relating to health service quality and regulation. We are aware of concerns that have been raised regarding some ADHD assessment-only services and are considering these issues with relevant partners.

The Government announced on 4 December 2025 the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for assessment and support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. The next stage of the review will look at the question of what role the private sector plays in diagnostic services.