Complaints regarding autism and ADHD services in England have increased more than threefold over the past five years, according to the NHS ombudsman. Patients are facing long waiting times and many are resorting to private care, often at significant costs. The report highlights systemic issues, including inconsistent service delivery and confusion over patient rights to choose providers.
The demand for these services has surged, with over 562,000 NHS referrals currently open. More than 60% of patients are experiencing waits exceeding one year, raising concerns about the adequacy of current healthcare provisions and the impact on patient well-being.