Health bosses aim to expand ADHD service capacity

The States of Guernsey says it is looking at ways to ease demand on ADHD diagnostic services

Health officials are "actively exploring" ways to increase Guernsey's service to help patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The States of Guernsey said several GPs with a special interest in ADHD had been attending a regular supervision group to expand their role in the management of the condition.

It said the aim was to bring patients with "more manageable" symptoms who were diagnosed outside of States services, such as patients who had to go private for their assessments, under GP supervision.

A States spokesperson said it hoped this approach would help "free up capacity" for new ADHD assessments on the island.

Extra nurses

They added a job post for an extra ADHD nurse specialist non-medical prescriber - who can diagnose and start treatment for children and adolescents where appropriate - had been filled earlier this year.

It said the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service was also planning to train up an additional nurse in the same role to "enable greater capacity to further address demand".

The States said there were currently 146 patients on the adult ADHD clinic waiting list and 118 on the child and adolescent clinic waiting list.

It added there were currently 110 patients in the process of being assessed for ADHD by the child and adolescent clinic.

A States spokesperson said the challenge of meeting increased demand for ADHD services was "not unique to Guernsey".

The spokesperson said: "This reflects a broader trend across the UK, and in Jersey, where many services are facing significant capacity pressures.

"These challenges are occurring in the context of a surge in awareness and recognition of ADHD over the past five years."