16th January 2025
Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame is raising urgent concerns about the lack of adult specialist ADHD services in Oxfordshire, highlighting the challenges faced by those with ADHD in accessing care and treatment.
There are currently no specialised commissioned adult ADHD services available in the whole of the county, with waiting lists for a diagnosis also closed. As a result, individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment have no clear pathway for support. Even those who have been diagnosed previously and are receiving treatment are facing additional barriers, including significant medication shortages.
Raising the issue in Parliament the MP for Henley and Thame called on the Leader of the House of Commons to make time for a debate on ADHD,
“ADHD services in Oxfordshire are in crisis. There are no adult specialised commissioned services available, and waiting lists have been closed. Those lucky enough to have a diagnosis and treatment cannot get medication, because of shortages. In one case, a constituent was unable to continue their care, having turned 18 and been kicked out of paediatric services. Will the Leader of the House make time to discuss ADHD services nationwide in this House?”
As part of his ongoing commitment to improving NHS services in the area, Freddie van Mierlo will continue to call for better ADHD care in Oxfordshire and push for the necessary changes to ensure individuals receive the care and treatment they need.
Commenting on this crisis, Freddie said
“It is deeply concerning that in 2025, we are still seeing gaps in care for people with ADHD. Constituents are coming forward regularly to alert me to this issue, and I won’t let up until its fixed. I’m as frustrated as they are, having engaged with the NHS Trusts, the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS England who point fingers at each other. Residents don’t care who is responsible, they just want access to the health care they deserve”.
“This issue is particularly impacting patients moving from child to adult services. It is wrong that a patient taking these serious and important medications to control their condition get kicked out of the system simply because they turn 18. I am deeply worried about the impact this has on young people as they continue education or start work.”
“It is not just the lack of adult services that is problematic, the medication shortages are compounding the issue, making it even harder for both children and adults to get the treatment they desperately need.”
