Statement: Referrals for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Last week,  Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust ( LSCFT) confirmed that they were unable to continue to accept referrals for the uncommissioned autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathways where no additional mental health diagnosis exists for children and young people. This position was not reached lightly and had been under discussion with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for some time. While patient care is our collective priority, without a sustainable model for children and young people the Trust made the decision that it could not continue accepting referrals. 
 
Following this announcement, and over the past few days, the ICB and the Trust have had proactive conversations and we have confirmed that the Trust will continue to accept referrals for this service as the ICB works to confirm a commissioned framework by the end of February. 

The Trust will then review the ICB proposed framework and assess the impact this will have on the current unacceptably long waiting times for children and young people. In partnership, the ICB will seek to address the long wait times and improve the service offer to children and young people. 

There has been no change to the commissioned mental health pathway for children and young people who have a mental health need and also require ADHD / ASD assessment and treatment.

We have been engaging with Parent Carer Forums across Lancashire and South Cumbria and through them we know that families have been concerned about the situation.  We are sorry for any distress that this may have caused. We hope this announcement will be reassuring, and we will continue to work closely with the Parent Carer Forums as important strategic partners.  
 
The  ICB and the Trust remain committed to working in partnership and we look forward to achieving a sustainable commissioned and funded framework to meet the needs of children  and young people requiring ADHD / ASD assessments and treatment where there is no additional mental health need. 

The Trust and the ICB have a shared ambition to positively transform services for children and young people who need assessment.

You will be aware that Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB has begun a three-year transformation programme to redesign the neurodevelopmental (ND) pathway for children and young people. The aim of the ND pathway is to ensure that the needs of children and young people are met from the earliest possible stage without a diagnosis being necessary to access support. The plan will help people based on what they need, with or without a diagnosis, and will support people getting to the right service for them.

Our intention is that this development will improve the situation for everyone. This initiative seeks to address the challenges that parents, carers, children and young people experience such as obtaining timely access for autism and ADHD assessments, integrating and joining up services, ensuring consistent post diagnostic support and ensuring that children and young people will have an equitable service across Lancashire and South Cumbria.