NHS bosses warn of chaos in ADHD and autism care
Costs are spiralling out of control as unregulated private providers capitalise on demand, say managers.
By BBC News
NHS bosses have warned that autism and ADHD care is at risk of descending into chaos as costs spiral and private providers move into the sector to meet demand. The NHS Alliance, which represents health managers, said the current system is a “bad deal” for patients and taxpayers.
The group said it had found big variations in what the NHS is being charged for assessments and treatment, including one example where a local health board was paying between £300 and £3,000 for similar services. It also said spending had risen sharply in some areas, with one board seeing costs rise tenfold in a year to £1.5 million a month.
According to the report, the expansion has been driven by a rapid increase in providers, including private firms and charities, while managers struggle to make sure care is safe and of good quality. The NHS Alliance also said the right to choose policy has helped reduce some of the longest waits, but at a growing cost to the health service.
The organisation said there are only guide prices for autism and ADHD services, rather than fixed tariffs, and that providers carrying out assessments only do not have to be registered with the Care Quality Commission.