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2025.02.25
3.10 Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée of St. Helier South of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the process of diagnosis of adult ADHD (OQ.35/2025):
Will the Minister explain the current process required for an adult to obtain a diagnosis of A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and advise the current waiting time to receive a diagnosis and start any treatment?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet of St. Saviour (The Minister for Health and Social Services):
I thank the Deputy for the question. Adults are referred to the specialist A.D.H.D. service that sits within the mental health services. Initial information is gathered, including from the patient, and a clinical interview and assessment is then undertaken, usually resulting in a diagnosis of A.D.H.D. It is possible for a diagnosis of A.D.H.D. to be given within another part of the mental health services by a suitably qualified and experienced clinician who feels confident in making that diagnosis. But in practice, most clinicians do not feel confident to do this and, as a consequence, they make a referral to the A.D.H.D. specialist. It is also possible to receive an A.D.H.D. diagnosis privately in Jersey. As of 21st February, there were 957 adults on the waiting list for an A.D.H.D. assessment. Based on the current planned assessment rate, that gives a current waiting time of 4 years and 7 months, if somebody is referred today. However, it is anticipated that this will reduce with a planned introduction of additional capacity to the team, assuming there is no increase in referral rates.
- Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée :
Following the recent review and recommendations produced by the H.S.S. (Health and Social Security) Panel for Government-funded additional staff to alleviate the large waiting list, can the Minister provide an update on the work done to date?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
The principal work being undertaken at the moment is to recruit a new nurse specialist, who is also a prescriber. The hope is that that will bring down rates reasonably rapidly; that is the principal focus at the moment.
- Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :
In the Minister’s response to my panel’s report on this area, he stated that there are 2 nurses currently undergoing training and also a senior nurse that has been recruited. Can the Minister update on those 3 posts, please; the senior nurse and the 2 nurses? Who is actually in post and, if they are not in post yet, what is the timescale that the Minister is aiming for to have them in post?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
I do not believe they are in post at present and I do not have a date on me at the moment for when that is likely to be done, but I am certainly happy to make that inquiry later today and get back to the Deputy .
- Deputy L.M.C. Doublet :
Could the Minister also update on the issue of an A.D.H.D. hub or clinic, which is something that has been called for among the A.D.H.D. community very strongly?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
I am led to believe that there are some difficulties in terms of the qualification as to what can happen there, and there is a requirement for more money. As I think the Assembly knows well, there is no spare cash. I am meeting a lady who co-ordinates the A.D.H.D. group. I do not think it is formally a charity, but it is a large group on the Island and there is a date in the diary to meet with that lady to discuss the hub in more detail.
- Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement :
Could the Minister explain what discussions have taken place with G.P.s to expand capacity for treatment?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
I am due to have a meeting with the representative bodies of G.P.s to have further discussions on the shared care pathway; I am happy to update the Assembly once that meeting has taken place.
- Deputy K.M. Wilson :
Thank you for the response, Minister. Are there any barriers to these negotiations at all? For example, will it involve more investment?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
I do not think the work with the G.P.s would involve more investment, but the creation of a hub probably would.