Adult ADHD referrals paused by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

As of 1 December 2025, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Founation Trust has temporarily stopped accepting new referrals to its adult ADHD service due to a significant rise in demand. The step has also been taken by other NHS trusts facing similar pressures across England.

This decision aims to protect patient safety and stabilise the service amid unprecedented demand. The service now receives more monthly referrals than it was originally commissioned to assess in a year, leading to:

• Over 4,000 people on the waiting list.

• More than 1,100 patients are awaiting overdue annual medication reviews.

• Additional pressures from national ADHD medication shortages.

  
  

The trust has said that pausing referrals will allow the team to focus on supporting existing patients, reduce the backlog, and redesign the service to make it more sustainable. The service will reopen for new referrals once it’s safe, stable, and sustainable to do so - there is no fixed date yet.

"This difficult decision has been made in discussion with our local Integrated Care Boards (the organisations responsible for planning health services in their local area) to make sure we can continue to provide safe, effective and sustainable care for people who already use the service."

"We know this news may be worrying, and we want to explain why this step is necessary and what it means for you."

What this means for you

• If you’ve already been referred for an ADHD assessment or have received a diagnosis and you’re waiting to start medication, you’ll stay on our waiting list, you don’t need to do anything.

  
  

• If you’re on ADHD medication and being reviewed by our Adult ADHD team, your care will continue as normal. During this period, we’re prioritising medication reviews to make sure everyone’s treatment is safe and effective.

  
  

• If you’re transitioning from children’s ADHD services to adult services, this will go continue as planned. You don’t need to do anything.

  
  

• If you were planning to seek a referral, please still speak to your GP. They can offer advice, support, and information about managing symptoms and accessing other sources of help while referrals are temporarily closed.

Information and support

• Visit the ADHD service page to see support leaflets

• Visit ADHD UK for strategies, support guides, and advice

• Visit Reading ADHD Group for support in the Reading and Berkshire area

• Visit ADDitude for articles on research, strategies, and advice

• Visit ADHDadultUK, who are a charity for adults with ADHD, run by adults with ADHD

• Visit Staywell-BOB.nhs.uk for advice and support to help yourself manage ADHD

You can also contact the trust's team with any questions.

Email Neuropsychology@berkshire.nhs.uk

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Share your experiences and views with us

Please share your views and experiences on local health and social care services (the good or bad) as your anonymous feedback continues to drive improvements in care for everyone. Your voice matters!

Call: 0118 418 1418

Email: enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

Online: Click here to complete a short online form.