Motion: Funding for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic and Treatment Services

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is often undiagnosed in childhood. It causes distress and functional impairment, often preventing affected individuals from achieving their full potential. People with ADHD frequently have coexisting mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression.

In the Western Health and Social Care Trust there is currently no funded or commissioned adult ADHD diagnostic or treatment service. Many patients are forced to pay privately for assessment and diagnosis of their ADHD. Additionally, patients may also have to pay privately for medication to treat this condition.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council calls on the Minister for Health to immediately provide the Western Health and Social Care Trust with the funding necessary to provide Adult ADHD diagnostic and treatment services. This Council further calls on the Chief Executive of the Western Health and Social Care Trust to establish this service without delay, prioritising funding and staffing of this essential service. Extra-contractual referrals to private or other providers should be provided in the interim to reduce delays to diagnosis of adult ADHD and unnecessary patient distress and suffering.