Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to include the voices of patients in the ongoing NHS England consultation on ADHD assessments; and if he will ensure all patients have the Right to Choose.

Earlier in 2025, NHS England ran a consultation on the 2025/26 NHS Payment Scheme. This consultation was not specific to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment services, but some concerns were raised about a perceived potential impact on ADHD services, particularly in respect of the impact on the right to choose. No changes to the legal right to choose were proposed as part of this. Following consultation, the original proposals have not been implemented.

NHS England has established an ADHD taskforce which is bringing together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors, to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including timely and equitable access to services and support, with the report expected in summer 2025.

The Government is also committed to patients’ legal right to choose their provider when referred to consultant-led treatment, or to a mental health professional, for their first appointment as an outpatient. This commitment is reflected in the NHS Constitution for England and the NHS Standing Rules, and is explained in the NHS Choice Framework. In addition to this, NHS England has regulatory oversight responsibilities to ensure patient choice operates effectively in the NHS.