ADHD - FOI Response Register

1. The average waiting time (in weeks) for ADHD assessments in each year from 2019 to 2024, broken down by (a) adults and (b) children.

With regards to 2019-2023 adult data then on accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

Current average adult wait length is 14 months.

In respect of child patients, under FOISA s 12(1), NHS Shetland is not obliged to comply with a request if the estimated cost of doing so exceeds £600.  Having reviewed your request, NHS Shetland has determined that the cost of compliance would exceed £600 and so is unable to provide the information requested; we have provided a breakdown of the estimated costs below:

3,844 files from Q1 identified, that would be 30 minutes x 3,844 records = 115,320 minutes or 1,922 hours = £28,830.

2. The longest recorded waiting time (in weeks) for ADHD assessments in each year from 2019 to 2024, for (a) adults and (b) children.

With regards to 2019-2021 data then on accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested as the Adult ADHD pathway was established 2022.

2022 – 51 weeks longest wait

2023 – 54 weeks longest wait

2024 – 70 weeks longest wait

In respect of child patients, under FOISA s 12(1), NHS Shetland is not obliged to comply with a request if the estimated cost of doing so exceeds £600.  Having reviewed your request, NHS Shetland has determined that the cost of compliance would exceed £600 and so is unable to provide the information requested; we have provided a breakdown of the estimated costs below:

4,543 files from Q1 identified, that would be 30 minutes x 4,543 records = 136,290 minutes or 2,271.5 hours = £34,072.5.

3. The number of individuals currently awaiting an ADHD assessment broken down by (a) adults and (b) children.

239 Adults awaiting assessment

51 Children awaiting assessment

4. The current expected waiting time (in weeks) for adults, having received a diagnosis, to be prescribed medication.

0 Weeks

Given there are no medical contraindications, a trial of prescribed medication may be issued at the outpatient appointment.

5. The current expected waiting time (in weeks) for children, having received a diagnosis, to be prescribed medication.

0 Weeks

Given there are no medical contraindications, a trial of prescribed medication may be issued at the outpatient appointment.