Harrow Health

Harrow Health: adult ADHD assessment and treatment under NHS Right to Choose

Harrow Health is an accredited provider of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment and treatment within the NHS Right to Choose pathway in England. The service is aimed at adult patients registered with a GP in England who have been referred by their GP for an ADHD assessment and who exercise their legal right to choose the organisation providing their care.

The organisation has worked since 2007 in partnership with community partners to deliver consultant-led community services. Its portfolio has included ear, nose and throat, physiotherapy, headache clinic, ophthalmology, musculoskeletal, gastroenterology, anticoagulation, paediatrics and ADHD. Adult ADHD assessment and treatment has been part of its activity since 2015, and it has been accredited to provide adult ADHD services by NW London ICB, which allows it to see any patient registered with a GP in England under NHS Right to Choose.

Referral pathway and access to the service

Access requires referral from a GP; the service does not accept direct patient contact. GPs can refer eligible adults through e-RS. Once the referral is received, the service contacts the patient within eight weeks. Patients can download the relevant referral information and request it from their GP through the NHS Right to Choose pathway.

The process is structured in three steps: the patient raises their ADHD concerns with their GP and requests a referral; they ask to be referred to Harrow Health through the NHS Right to Choose pathway; and, once the referral is accepted, they receive an invitation to complete questionnaires and provide information before agreeing an appointment and moving forward with assessment and treatment.

Clinical care and appointment format

The service combines in-person and virtual appointments according to patient preference. Patients with additional diagnostic complexity due to other comorbid mental health conditions can also be referred. The care pathway has been designed by professionals with extensive experience in ADHD treatment. The clinical lead for the ADHD service is Dr Shyamal Mashru.

Where ADHD is diagnosed and treatment is recommended, patients can access ongoing support, including medication titration where clinically appropriate. Electronic prescribing allows prescriptions to be sent instantly to the pharmacy of the patient's choice across England.

Prescribing, reviews and relationship with the GP

Harrow Health manages prescribing and annual reviews directly, so the GP does not need to take part in shared care arrangements. Electronic prescribing and ongoing communication help reduce the administrative burden associated with ADHD referrals and medication pathways.

Support for patients and GP practices

The service has dedicated phone and email support teams at all stages of the process. The team helps manage onboarding, appointment preparation, assessment arrangements and communication, as well as guiding patients on what to expect, what information is needed and how each stage works. GPs have clear referral guidance, automated onboarding and dedicated support teams.

The organisation notes that the service currently has one of the shortest waiting times in England. It also offers a free online adult ADHD test, designed to help people understand their symptoms and decide whether to speak to their GP about an assessment.