Scrutiny Panel finds training more staff to issue ADHD medication is key to reducing waiting lists
Scrutiny
10 December 2024
A Scrutiny Panel has found that Islanders with ADHD, or waiting for a diagnosis, are facing additional stresses that could be avoided if more health staff were trained to issue the medications that are prescribed to manage the neurological condition.The Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel has published a report following its review of the current procedures in place for prescribing medication to adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The review was launched in July after the Panel heard that, due to the Island’s prescribing regulations, ADHD medication can only be prescribed by a specialist consultant psychiatrist which is contrary to other jurisdictions where, once treatment has been established, GPs and other trained staff can issue repeat prescriptions.
Jersey’s health department currently has one specialist consultant psychiatrist who can assess and diagnose Islanders on the waiting list, but the Panel heard that the majority of their time is spent issuing repeat prescriptions. The Panel believes that situation is contributing to the lengthy time adults are waiting for an assessment, which is at present around 3.5 years.
The Panel has concluded that if more staff were appropriately skilled to issue the medication, it would alleviate the pressure on the consultant psychiatrist and is therefore strongly recommending that the Minister for Health and Social Services implements a training programme for nurses which would allow them to do so. The Panel is also recommending that a clinic or hub is established where ADHD patients can pick up their medication and seek advice when they need it.
Evidence submitted to the Panel during the review also highlighted that poor communication from the health department regarding an individual's position and the status of the waiting list, and the current waiting times, was having an impact on the wellbeing of those waiting for an assessment. During a hearing with the Minister for Health and Social Services, the department admitted it was an area in which it could do better. The Panel is asking the Minister to ensure that the improvements in this area are implement within three months of receiving the report.
Deputy Louise Doublet, Chair of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, said: ‘It is clear to the Panel that people who have shared their experiences with us feel let down by the current system. They are frustrated with the long wait for a diagnosis and lack of communication regarding not only that, but the impact the global shortage of ADHD medication could have on them. While there is little that Jersey can do to improve the situation regarding the shortage, we can remove some of the other obstacles people are facing. Allowing more staff to issue repeat prescriptions is vital to this and is something that can be delivered within the resources the department has and within a reasonable amount of time and would dramatically improve people’s experiences. It would also give the Minister time to work with the Primary Care Board on the proposed Shared Care Pathway, which would allow GPs to prescribe ADHD medication, and investigate what other options there are for other secondary care medical staff to provide support in this area.’
The Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel has made 9 recommendations and highlighted 24 findings in its report, which can be read in full on the States Assembly website.
