SDLP Says ADHD Diagnoses Are Taking Too Long

SDLP say assessments for ADHD must be addressed

The SDLP’s Colin McGrath MLA and Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith have said that ADHD assessments are taking unnecessarily long to complete and this must be addressed.

Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “Too often in my office we are hearing awful stories of parents who are trying to get their children’s ADHD diagnosis completed, yet the waiting list for this is simply too long.

“Many are having to consider whether or not to seek a private diagnosis but do not have the funds to do so, and this is compounded by an additional issue that some private diagnoses are not recognised here. 

“This is a major problem which we need to see addressed urgently.”

Mr McGrath added: “Both Conor and I will continue to work on behalf of those constituents who contact us about this and I will be raising the matter with the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA, and the Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA as soon as possible. 

“While we need these services to be commissioned, we need to know that the money is there to do so. It’s time to deliver on these issues.”

Councillor Conor Galbraith added: “Over the last ten years we have seen an increased need for ADHD services.

“In the last four years in the South Eastern HSC Trust alone, there have been almost 750 referrals every year for these services.

“When you compare the 250 annual referrals 10 years ago, it sets the issue in quite a context.

“However, we are also in a position where waiting times are now around 3 years for a diagnosis. This is simply too long, and our children are suffering as a result of it.”