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Deputy Tom Binet
Minister for Health and Social Services
BY EMAIL
14th August 2024 Dear Minister,
Health and Social Security Panel
Review of Prescription of Medication for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
We write as part of our evidence gathering for our review into the Prescription of Medication for ADHD. The Panel is collating evidence from stakeholders over the summer following which, it is hoped to hold separate public hearings with yourself and other key stakeholders. As part of our evidence gathering, could you provide the following:
- At our public hearings on both 14th March and 6th June of this year, you informed us that discussions were being had around closing the waiting list for ADHD diagnosis due to the number of people waiting to be seen. Has any decision been made on this?
- We note that the number of people waiting to be seen increased from 736 in March to 817 in June with an additional 140 children waiting to transition. Can you confirm the numbers as of today?
- At our public hearing on 6th June, you informed us that you had successfully recruited a very senior and experienced nurse 2 days a week' who would look to review the waiting list. Has this recruitment made an impact on the waiting list? Could you also give an update on the recruitment status overall?
- What else is being done to help alleviate the level of demand vs the capacity available?
- We note that medication can only be prescribed by a specialist which is causing a huge backlog and adding to the waiting times for medication. At our public hearing on 14th March, you informed us that the Primary Care Board was due to meet to discuss delegation of this responsibility to GP's. Could you provide an update to this?
- We are aware from various sources that there is a global shortage of ADHD medication due to increased global demand and manufacturing problems. How has this impacted upon Jersey, if at all, and what is being done to mitigate this problem?
- As part of our evidence gathering, we have received a number of written submissions from members of the public on the waiting list who have little choice other than to seek private care. We note that funding for ADHD comes from the budget of Health and Community Services as opposed to the Health Insurance Fund (HIF) (which is managed by the Minister for Social Security). If this method of funding were to change, could the cost of private care appointments and/or medication be subsidised by Government for those on a waiting list for assessment of a condition?
- Could you provide a list of ADHD medications and the cost of each under private prescription?
We would be grateful for a response to the above questions by Friday 30th August 2024.
We look forward to working with you and thank you in advance for your assistance on this issue. We will also be in touch to arrange a public hearing with you on this topic in the near future.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy Louise Doublet
Chair, Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel