Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the (a) availability and (b) eligibility requirements for NHS ADHD medication.

NHS England has established an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) taskforce which is working to bring together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors. The taskforce is working to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including timely and equitable access to services and support, with the final report expected in the summer. In collaboration with NHS England’s national ADHD data improvement plan, we plan to combine modelling for future growth forecasts, which will be shared with industry to improve demand forecasting for ADHD medicines.

As a result of intensive work, some issues with ADHD medicines have resolved. However, whilst greatly improved, some supply issues persist for methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets and capsules. We are continuing to work to resolve these issues by engaging with all affected suppliers to assess the challenges faced and their actions to address them. We are also directing suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible, and review plans to build further capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term. The Department is also working with new suppliers of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets to improve supply and resiliency for the United Kingdom’s market.

It is the responsibility of the integrated care boards in England to make available the appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including access to ADHD medication services, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

It is for the responsible clinician to decide on the most appropriate treatment plan to manage ADHD, in discussion with their patient. This decision is based on the clinician’s expertise regarding treatment options, evidence, and risk and benefits, as well as the patient’s personal circumstances. The NICE’s guidelines on ADHD set out the considerations that healthcare professionals should take into account when considering treatment options.