Worried about changes to 'Right to Choose'?
In Lancashire, Sefton, and Merseyside, NHS England has paused new referrals under the Right to Choose pathway for ADHD and autism assessments. This means patients cannot currently access faster, NHS‑funded assessments through private providers. The pause is linked to shared care and funding disputes, and there is no confirmed date for when it will un-pause.
Right to Choose is a legal entitlement under the NHS Choice Framework. It allows patients to select their provider for certain services, including ADHD and autism assessments, if that provider has an NHS contract. For many, this has been a lifeline, offering quicker access compared to multi‑year NHS waitlists.
The Current Pause in Lancashire, Sefton, and Merseyside
Since autumn 2025, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across Lancashire, Sefton, and Merseyside have paused new Right to Choose referrals for ADHD and autism. While the legal right remains, local NHS bodies are refusing to process referrals or shared care agreements.
This pause means:
New referrals are blocked even if patients meet eligibility criteria.
Shared care arrangements (e.g. for medication management between private and NHS providers) are being rejected.
Thousands of patients are left in limbo, unable to progress with assessments.
Why Has This Happened?
The pause is driven by:
Funding disputes between NHS England and local ICBs.
Shared care breakdowns, where GPs and trusts are reluctant to take responsibility for prescribing or follow‑up after private assessments.
Capacity pressures, with NHS services overwhelmed by demand — over 227,000 people are currently waiting for autism assessments nationally.
When Will It Un-pause?
At present, no clear national date has been set for the unpause. NHS England has removed clauses that threatened the legal basis of Right to Choose, but local ICBs continue to block referrals. Advocacy groups like ADHD UK and ADHDaptive are pressing for clarity, but patients in Lancashire, Sefton, and Merseyside should expect ongoing delays.
Leap: An Alternative If You Don’t Want to Wait
At Leap, we know how painful waiting can be. That’s why we continue to offer:
Private, nurse‑led autism assessments with no waiting list.
Post assessment reports that support workplace adjustments, and personalised care.
Flexible payment options to make assessments more accessible.
A validating, neurodivergent‑affirming experience from start to finish.
If Right to Choose is paused in your area, Leap can help you move forward without delay. Contact us today to discuss your options.
