Enhanced ADHD Training for Staff May Ease Waiting List Pressures, Panel Suggests

A States of Jersey scrutiny panel has determined that offering more ADHD training to healthcare personnel could alleviate the strain associated with waiting lists. The Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel initiated a review in July, prompted by the island’s prescribing regulations that mandate ADHD medication be issued exclusively by a specialist consultant psychiatrist. The panel noted that, in contrast to other jurisdictions where general practitioners and other qualified staff are permitted to issue repeat prescriptions after treatment is established, Jersey’s current situation was extending assessment waiting lists, which currently stand at approximately three-and-a-half years. Currently, Jersey’s Health Department employs a single specialist consultant psychiatrist responsible for assessing and diagnosing islanders on the waiting list. The panel concluded that empowering more staff with the appropriate skills to issue medication would ease the burden on the consultant psychiatrist. A strong recommendation was agreed upon by the panel for the health minister to implement such a training program specifically for nurses. Furthermore, a second recommendation was approved, advocating for the establishment of a clinic or hub where ADHD patients could collect their medication and obtain advice as required. Deputy Louise Doublet, who chairs the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, stated: “It is clear to the panel that people who have shared their experiences with us feel let down by the current system. “They are frustrated with the long wait for a diagnosis and lack of communication regarding, not only that, but the impact the global shortage of ADHD medication could have on them. “While there is little that Jersey can do to improve the situation regarding the shortage, we can remove some of the other obstacles people are facing.”