Under Threat – The Right to Choose

In the heart of the United Kingdom, a crisis remains concealed, unnoticed by the media, the government, and the public at large. It's a crisis that affects millions, profoundly impacting lives, yet it remains hidden from plain sight.

In the UK, a growing waiting list of up to seven years plagues individuals with neurodivergent conditions like Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Imagine waiting seven years for treatment if you had heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or Parkinson’s disease—conditions that are rightfully treated with urgency due to their life-threatening or debilitating nature. Neurodivergent conditions, though often unseen, are equally life-threatening and debilitating, profoundly affecting one's ability to work, self-care, shop, socialize, and function in everyday life.

Picture a life where you struggle to get out of bed, work, leave the house, or even care for yourself. This is the daily reality for many grappling with mental health issues, which can lead to further health complications or, tragically, suicide.

In recent years, there has been a surge in GP referrals to mental health services, overwhelming the NHS's capacity to treat neurodivergent conditions. This increase is not due to neurodivergence becoming trendy or an excuse; it is a result of greater awareness and understanding, largely fueled by social media. This heightened awareness is positive, as it brings long-overdue recognition to these conditions.

However, the prolonged waiting times have forced many to explore alternatives outside the NHS, resorting to self-medication and private treatment. The "Right to Choose" under the NHS is increasingly exercised by neurodivergent individuals desperate for the support they need. They are turning to private providers such as Psychiatry-UK and others.

Private treatment, however, remains financially feasible only for the affluent. To bridge the gap, Shared Care Plans (SCPs) provide a lifeline. SCPs are agreements between a GP and a private provider that allow individuals to receive ongoing care from private providers while their GP can prescribe NHS medications.

Unfortunately, an alarming trend is emerging where GPs are no longer willing to agree to SCPs. This decision affects a significant number of people, effectively denying them access to essential treatment. My own GP recently informed me that they are no longer accepting new SCPs. This stance extends to neighboring GP surgeries and whole Primary Care Networks, creating a situation where no GPs in my area accept SCPs.

This decision effectively compromises the NHS's "Right to Choose" and unfairly affects those who cannot afford ongoing private care. The rationale provided is that it impacts the delivery of core services.

It is unacceptable and discriminatory that individuals in the UK with neurodivergent disabilities are denied essential treatment for debilitating and sometimes life-threatening conditions due to bureaucratic decisions.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

In light of this silent crisis in neurodivergent care, I pledge to shine a light on this issue and advocate for change. We must raise our voices to address this urgent problem

In the wake of the struggling NHS, Private treatment and The Right to Choose in the UK is a fundamental aspect of healthcare that should not be compromised. I urge everyone reading this to take action today. Write to your local Member of Parliament (MP) and correspond with local media outlets to bring attention to the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing timely care and support. Share your personal experiences, stories, and insights to help others understand the human toll of this crisis.

Also, please share with me your experiences and opinions, together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one in the UK is denied essential treatment for debilitating and life-threatening neurodivergent conditions while upholding their Right to Choose. Let's stand united in our commitment to change the status quo and improve the lives of millions affected by this hidden crisis.

#Neurodiversity #MentalHealthMatters #HealthcareEquality #RighttoChoose #UKHealthcare #SupportNeurodivergent #AdvocateForChange #nhs

Leanne Maskell Sharon Barbour Al (Aleasser) Alzein Charlotte Forbes ?? Suzy Jackson ??????? Susan Bell Sally Waterston