Help with getting on medication

Q&A (Run by volunteers)
1

Hi looking for help/advice with getting on medication.

In Nov 2022, I was diagnosed by NHS East London (Community Integrated Mental Health Service - SOUTH, Dr Adetoro Adenola) with ADHD. The process took a while, and by the time I got my diagnosis I had actually moved to West London. It was taking me an hour and 30 mins to get to the mental center in Plaistow, and I was told that if I were to trial medication I’d have to travel there and back every month. So I decided to change GPs to my one in West London.

Well, they put me at the back of the queue and told me I had to get diagnosed again. I was really upset but really did not want to go private or anything when I already had the diagnosis, so I agreed to wait.

I never got seen, and now I have moved again to Walthamstow. I thought I’d change GPs and try again, only to be told the GPs in my area have all opted out of shared care.

What options are there for me to get on medication? I have been diagnosed through the NHS, I’m struggling. I could try to find a GP nearish that does shared care? My friend suggested an online GP, is that viable?

2

Hello,
When shared care isn’t available due to capacity issues, your GP should explain the situation and outline who will handle your treatment. A GP can still refer you to other pathways and services, such as through the ‘Right to Choose’ pathway in England, or to local pathways if available.

If you’ve recently moved and were previously diagnosed through the NHS, you can request a referral or transfer of care with your new GP, even if they don’t currently support shared care.

If your practice isn’t clear on the next steps, you can escalate your concerns through a complaint to the practice, the ICB (NHS integrated care board), and the NHS complaints process. Fully private treatment is another option. However, as you might assume, this mostly comes with ongoing costs. Online GPs may also refuse shared care, so it can prevent more disappointment to confirm their referral procedures before trying.

Hope the link guidance below helps.