Edinburgh health: Cross-party group of MSPs calls for urgent action on medicine shortage for ADHD patients

A cross-party group of Lothian MSPs has written to NHS Lothian chief excutive Caroline Hiscox, highlighting the problems and voicing concern about the impacts, including the effect which disruption of medication is having on the mental and physical health of their neurodiverse constituents.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can have trouble concentrating, may seem restless and may act impulsively.

Daniel Johnson and Alex Cole-Hamilton are among MSPs calling for urgent action | TSPL

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Lib Dem MSP for Edinburgh Western, said: “Over recent months, I've had a flood of meetings and emails from people who either have a diagnosis of ADHD and can't get access to the medication they need, or are on a waiting list for diagnosis of ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions and have been told they must wait more than five years to be seen.

“This is made more challenging by the fact that, due to workload pressures, many doctors' surgeries are no longer engaging in the 'shared care' arrangement, whereby they would dispense medication on the NHS following a private diagnosis.

“I have organised this joint cross-party letter with a number of other MSPs who represent the city. We have resolved to move forward collectively and keep the pressure up until a resolution is found.”

And Daniel Johnson, Labour MSP for Edinburgh Southern. said: “As someone with ADHD, I’m acutely aware of the impact a lack of clarity around shared care, waiting times exceeding five years, and both issues compounded by a medication shortage, are having on my constituents in Edinburgh Southern. This situation is unacceptable, and it is only getting worse.

“In the last week alone, I have had to visit different pharmacies to find out what medication is available to me, for my own treatment. I understand the pressures created by the global supply chain crisis, but this is something that must be taken incredibly seriously by the Scottish Government who must be clear on support plans for those struggling to access treatment.

“I look forward to continuing to work together with other Edinburgh MSPs to support our constituents who face uncertainty and long wait times both to get a diagnosis and to receive medication.”

The letter asks for information on the disruption to medication and what support is in place for people who require regular medication but have been forced to reduce their dosage or stop taking their prescribed medicines. It also asks about the current expected waiting times.

It says: “Research has found that ADHD medication can be lifesaving - particularly when the window between diagnosis and the initiation of medication is shortened.”

The other MSPs who have signed the letter are Lothian Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury, Lothian Tory MSPs Miles Briggs and Jeremy Balfour and Lothian Green MSP Lorna Slater.