The health minister has decided not to close the waiting list for adult ADHD assessments, despite concerns raised about the lengthy delays.
This follows earlier suggestions from officials in March that the backlog had grown so large that adding more people to the list was pointless.
In a letter to the health scrutiny panel, Deputy Tom Binet said he would focus on reducing the backlog before considering shutting down the list. Chloe Wallser, 27, shared her frustration after waiting two years with no update, eventually opting for private care. She described the situation as "awful" for those unable to afford private treatment.
Wallser expressed concerns over the ongoing costs of medication, calling it a significant financial stress. She and others support a shared care model, where GPs and psychiatrists collaborate on patient care. However, Binet acknowledged "clinical disagreements" about this approach, though he is committed to resolving them.
Dr. Bryony Perchard from the Primary Care Body said that while a shared care plan was agreed in 2023, implementing it remains challenging. She noted that few GPs in Jersey are comfortable prescribing ADHD medications due to their controlled nature and side effects, adding that the UK has mostly withdrawn support for similar arrangements.
The deadline for public feedback on ADHD care has been extended to September 16.
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