South Oxfordshire MP calls for urgent ADHD action
Freddie van Mierlo has written to the regional NHS integrated care board
A south Oxfordshire MP has written to the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care Board (ICB) to request an urgent update on the state of ADHD services in Oxfordshire, following continued concerns raised by constituents.
The letter from Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame outlines ongoing difficulties in accessing timely and appropriate ADHD support both children and adults, including long delays for diagnosis and treatment, challenges during the transition from child to adult services, problems with shared care arrangements, and uncertainty over access to private providers via the NHS Right to Choose pathway.
The MP acknowledged the ICB’s efforts to improve provision in response to rising demand but called for greater clarity on timelines and delivery. He specifically asked for updates on:
The introduction of a new service for 18–25-year-olds to support continuity of medication
The progress of a BOB-wide ADHD transformation programme and revised service model
Resolution of shared care barriers across the region
He also expressed concern over any potential restrictions to the Right to Choose pathway, which many patients rely on to access care when NHS waiting times are unmanageable.
In his letter, Freddie requested details on planned next steps and timescales for implementation and offered to meet with the ICB and local teams to continue supporting efforts to improve ADHD care.
Stuck
Commenting on this, Freddie van Mierlo said:
“Families and individuals across Oxfordshire are waiting far too long to get the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care they need. Many feel stuck in a system that doesn’t meet rising demand and leaves them without support at critical points in their lives.
I know local NHS teams are working under pressure, but people with ADHD in Oxfordshire need to know that real change is coming — and when. I’ll continue to press for updates and hold the ICB to account until families see improvements on the ground.”
Awareness
A spokesperson for BOB ICB said:
“As commissioners we acknowledge the challenges in ADHD services and we will respond in full to Mr Van Mierlo’s questions and concerns.
“The demand for ADHD assessments and treatment in the UK has significantly increased in recent years. This rise is largely due to greater awareness and understanding of ADHD, leading more people to seek diagnoses.”