ADHD UK has threatened legal action against the West Yorkshire NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) concerning its policy of a minimum two-year wait for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism assessments. The charity has sent a legal letter to the ICB, alleging the decision is unlawful.
The charity states it will seek a judicial review if the board does not reverse the policy. ADHD UK claims the ICB failed to follow correct procedures, including breaching equalities legislation and not involving patients, carers, or the public in the decision-making process.
West Yorkshire ICB introduced this two-year minimum wait this year, affecting thousands of individuals in areas such as Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, and Wakefield. Other ICBs, including Devon, Somerset, and North East and North Cumbria, have also reportedly imposed minimum waits for neurodiversity assessments.
Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, stated the charity believes "locking patients out of NHS choice is illegal because it breaches patients’ legal right to choose where they receive NHS care." A spokesperson for NHS West Yorkshire ICB confirmed receipt of correspondence from ADHD UK but declined further comment due to potential legal proceedings.