Lothian MSPs Call for Urgent Action on ADHD Care

A group of Lothian MSPs have written to the Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, Caroline Hiscox, urging immediate action to address widespread concerns about the diagnosis and care of people with ADHD in the capital.

The letter highlights critical issues, including ongoing medication shortages since last October, extensive waiting times for diagnosis and treatment, and confusion around shared care arrangements following private assessments.

In the letter, MSPs raised concerns about the lack of clarity on shared care pathways for patients who have undergone private ADHD assessments and highlighted the impact that medication disruption is having on the mental and physical health of their neurodiverse constituents.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western said:

“Over recent months, I've had a flood of meetings and emails from people who either have a diagnosis of ADHD and can't get access to the medication they need, or are on a waiting list for diagnosis of ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions and have been told they must wait more than five years to be seen.

"This is made more challenging by the fact that, due to workload pressures, many doctors' surgeries are no longer engaging in the 'shared care' arrangement, whereby they would dispense medication on the NHS following a private diagnosis.

"I have organised this joint cross-party letter with a number of other MSPs who represent the city. We have resolved to move forward collectively and keep the pressure up until a resolution is found.”

Daniel Johnson, MSP for Edinburgh Southern commented:

“As someone with ADHD, I’m acutely aware of the impact a lack of clarity around shared care, waiting times exceeding five years, and both issues compounded by a medication shortage, are having on my constituents in Edinburgh Southern. This situation is unacceptable, and it is only getting worse.

"In the last week alone, I have had to visit different pharmacies to find out what medication is available to me, for my own treatment. I understand the pressures created by the global supply chain crisis, but this is something that must be taken incredibly seriously by the Scottish Government who must be clear on support plans for those struggling to access treatment.

"I look forward to continuing to work together with other Edinburgh MSPs to support our constituents who face uncertainty and long wait times both to get a diagnosis and to receive medication.”