A major consultation on the future of adult ADHD services has been launched across Greater Manchester, aiming to gather views from those affected and improve care.
NHS Greater Manchester has opened the consultation in response to growing pressure on services, with long waits for diagnosis, unequal access, and rising demand prompting plans for a new care model.
Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer, said: “We know how important it is for people with ADHD to get the right support at the right time. This consultation gives every adult affected by ADHD the chance to share their experiences and help us make sure our services are more accessible, quicker, and better for those who need them most.”
The current system is overwhelmed with some residents waiting up to two years for assessment and support depending heavily on where they live.
Without intervention, waiting lists could soon exceed 25,000 people across Greater Manchester, making timely diagnosis and treatment increasingly out of reach for many.
Georgie Docker, 23, said: “When I tried to get my diagnosis I was told the waiting list was three years, at that point my mental health was so poor I had not other option to go private. Most people don’t have the luxury of being able to opt for a private diagnosis especially at a time when surviving financially is more difficult than ever.”
The proposed new adult ADHD model aims to deliver fast access to services, prioritising those at highest clinical risk.
It also promises fairer access across Greater Manchester, ensuring care is based on clinical need rather than when a person joins the waiting list.
A wider range of support options is planned, including self-help tools, peer support and non-medical interventions to complement medication.
Adults affected by ADHD, including those waiting for assessment, carers and professional are all being encouraged to take part in the consultation and share their experiences to help shape the new system.
Haroun Esmail, 25, said: “It’s good that they’re asking for people’s opinion and want to change.
“Its important to tackle this problem as some people with ADHD might be in unstable households, vulnerable and might be at risk of falling into depression, suicidal thoughts or self-harm because of these wait times.”
He added: “With ADHD its already a difficult mission to go to the GP in the first place. So the fact they make the process so long is even worse.”
The consultation is open until 17 June and people can take part by completing the online survey or sharing their thoughts via email: [email protected].
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