The Intergrated Care Board (ICB) wants to explain how it uses Indicative Activity Plans (IAPs) for ADHD services. 

The ICB would like to make it clear that there is no pause on referrals and no stopping of ADHD services in north central London. GPs should continue to assess and refer patients for ADHD assessment where clinically appropriate, in line with existing pathways. There has been no instruction to stop or delay referrals. 

All providers, including NHS organisations and private providers delivering NHS services under Right to Choose have IAPs in place. These set out the number of NHS funded assessments to be delivered for the financial year.  

IAPs are commissioning and budget management tools. Reaching an IAP limit does not mean referrals stop. It may mean that patients are placed on a waiting list until capacity becomes available later in the year or in the next financial year. 

Right to Choose  

Patients’ Right to Choose remains unchanged, and it is important that the ICB uphold this right. Patients can still ask to be referred to any NHS contracted provider offering ADHD assessments. Where a provider has reached its planned activity for the year, referrals can still be made, and patients will be managed on that provider’s waiting list.  

For children and young people waiting for their assessment, refer to the Waiting Rooms Autism and ADHD support.  
 
NCL ICB appreciates all your support with this cohort of patients. If you have any further questions, contact nclicb.enquiries@nhs.net.