My eldest son was diagnosed with ADHD privately and was under medical supervision for medication titration. Once he was on a stable dose, his GP accepted a shared care plan which allowed for repeat prescriptions. However, a mere two years later, my youngest son was diagnosed with the same condition by the same private provider and psychiatrist. Despite this, his shared care plan has been rejected by two GP surgeries, claiming they no longer accept such plans. Now, he must remain on the NHS waitlist for years, depriving him of the timely care he desperately needs.

This isn't just my family's story; it reflects the experience of countless others across the UK. Wait lists for neurodiversity diagnosis are currently sitting at an average of 3-4 years. This extended waiting period leaves children without access to the necessary support frameworks. In search of critical care, many parents turn to private diagnoses from GMC registered doctors, only for their shared care plans to be rejected by GPs. This results in mounting private prescription bills and the necessity to remain on NHS wait lists, prolonging the uncertainty and distress for entire families.

The current standards not only overwhelm parents financially but also contributes to the inefficient use of NHS resources, leaving many GPs reluctant to accept private diagnoses. It's time to streamline this process and revise existing guidelines to accommodate valid private diagnoses with shared care plans.

We urge the Department of Health and Social Care to revise the policy on shared care plans to ensure that individuals with private diagnoses receive equitable treatment. Implementing this change would alleviate strain on NHS waiting lists, lower the financial burden on families, and ensure timely access to essential care for those in need.

Support our petition to compel policymakers to take immediate action. Sign now to demand change for the betterment of families and to ensure appropriate access to healthcare for all children in need.