At Testvale Surgery, we understand that managing ADHD is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to supporting our patients in accessing safe and appropriate care. ADHD medications are specialist treatments, and their prescribing requires close monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Prescriptions from NHS Providers
We are able to prescribe ADHD medications for patients under the care of an NHS specialist, provided a formal Shared Care Agreement is in place. This agreement ensures that:
- You continue to have regular annual reviews with your ADHD specialist – this is usually every 6–12 months.
- All physical health monitoring (such as blood pressure, pulse, weight, and other relevant checks) is carried out as required.
- Communication between your specialist and our practice is clear, up to date, and includes relevant treatment plans and changes.
Shared care helps ensure we can prescribe safely and responsibly, as part of a coordinated treatment plan led by your specialist.
Please note that if we do not have this up-to-date information, we will be unable to continue your medication until it is available.
In all cases, the GP retains final clinical responsibility for prescribing and may decline to issue prescriptions where requirements are not met. It is the responsibility of patients and/or parents to ensure monitoring (e.g., blood pressure, weight) is carried out and up to date. We are not able to offer appointments solely for physical monitoring (such as blood pressure checks in children), and prescriptions will not be signed without the required monitoring information.
Prescriptions from Private Providers
At present, we are not able to take over the prescribing of ADHD medications that have been started privately, outside of NHS services. This is in line with guidance from the Wessex Local Medical Committees (LMCs) and national best practice.
While we respect your choice to access private assessments or treatment, it’s important to know that:
- Prescribing ADHD medications requires careful and ongoing monitoring.
- There is significant workload involved in maintaining safe prescribing.
- As an NHS practice, we do not have the resources or responsibility to oversee increased requests of private ADHD prescribing.
This is not a reflection on your personal healthcare decisions — rather, it is about ensuring patient safety and maintaining high standards of care within the scope of NHS services.
Next Steps for Patients
If you are currently receiving treatment for ADHD through the NHS or are transitioning from private to NHS care, we recommend the following:
- Contact your private provider to explore referral options into NHS services under the Right to Choose pathway, if appropriate.
- If you are under an NHS specialist, ask them to provide us with a Shared Care Agreement and the latest review documentation.
- Continue attending your specialist reviews and health checks regularly to support safe prescribing.
We understand that navigating ADHD care can be frustrating and complex. If you have questions or concerns about your treatment, please don’t hesitate to speak to our reception team, and we’ll do our best to guide you to the right support.
Additional Note
For patients who have historically been prescribed ADHD medication, having been initiated via private providers through our practice, we will continue to provide prescriptions as long as appropriate annual reviews with the private provider and monitoring are maintained, in line with the expectations of an NHS shared care agreement.