NHS Highland ADHD Services - Community Update and How You Can Take Action

What’s Happening

In recent weeks, many people across the Highlands who were waiting for ADHD assessments have received letters from NHS Highland advising that their referrals will no longer be progressed. These letters state that individuals do not meet new “criteria” for assessment - despite many having been on the waiting list for over two years. This sudden change has left a large number of individuals feeling confused, anxious and abandoned.

Our Response

We have written to:

  • NHS Highland leadership

  • Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

  • Members of the UK Parliament (MPs)

Our letters call for:

  • Transparency around how the new assessment criteria were applied

  • Clear communication with patients about their referral status

  • Protection for those already receiving medication through shared-care arrangements

  • Urgent reinstatement of a fair, accessible diagnostic pathway for ADHD

We are deeply concerned about reports that some patients who have been safely and effectively treated under shared-care agreements for years are now being asked to resubmit documentation or risk losing their NHS prescriptions. This presents a serious risk to continuity of care and patient wellbeing.

You can read a summary of our correspondence below:

What This Means for You

If you have received one of these NHS Highland letters, you are not alone.

Here are some steps you can take:

  • Contact your GP to discuss your current symptoms and how this decision affects you. Ask that your concerns be noted and request ongoing support where possible.

  • Keep all correspondence from NHS Highland. It may be useful if you wish to make a complaint or seek advocacy support.

  • Reach out for support.

  • If you feel able, consider contacting your MSP and MP to share your experience. Every voice matters!

How You Can Take Action

We encourage anyone affected, or anyone who cares about fair access to ADHD support, to raise this issue with NHS Highland and elected representatives.

We’ve created three easy-to-use letter templates that you can personalise and send:

You can contact NHS Highland's Feedback and Complaints Team by phone at 01463 705 997, email at nhshighland.feedback@nhs.scot, or by writing to them at:

Feedback Team
NHS Highland
PO Box 5713
Inverness
IV1 9AQ

You can find your local representatives here:

Find your MSP

Find your MP

When writing your email:

  1. Include your name and postcode so they know you’re a constituent.

  2. Add a short note about how this decision has affected you personally (optional but powerful).

  3. Copy your message to health-related committee members or relevant ministers if you wish.

Your collective voices help show that this issue is widespread and urgently needs attention.

Why This Matters

Untreated or unsupported ADHD can have a profound impact on daily life - affecting mental health, employment, relationships and financial stability, amoung many other things.

Early assessment and intervention are not just clinical necessities; they are essential for wellbeing, prevention and equality.

People in other parts of the UK have access to the Right to Choose pathway, which allows patients to seek ADHD assessments through alternative NHS providers when local waiting times are excessive. In Scotland, no such right currently exists, creating a postcode lottery for access to care.

We believe everyone deserves fair, transparent and compassionate support - no matter where they live.

We’re Here for You

We know this situation has caused real distress. Please remember that you are part of a community that understands and supports you. Our volunteers are working hard to advocate for change while offering a safe, inclusive space for anyone affected. Together, we can make our voices heard and push for a fair, compassionate ADHD pathway for the Highlands.