The Health Minister has accepted the need to “increase prescribing capacity” within Jersey’s ADHD service — but it has emerged that two nurses currently undertaking prescribing training haven’t “expressed the desire to work” in the team.
Deputy Tom Binet’s was responding to a report published by the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, which examined how ADHD medication is prescribed to adults.
The panel, chaired by Deputy Louise Doublet, published a report in December with a series of recommendations aimed at improving the service as well as access to treatment.
The six-month review was prompted by concerns over staff shortages and rising demand, which have placed significant strain on the system.
Nearly 1,000 islanders are currently awaiting ADHD assessments, with some facing waits of up to three and a half years.
A global shortage of ADHD medication has compounded the issue, forcing the Health Department to issue one-month supplies instead of the usual three months.
The panel recommended improving communication with those on the waiting list and establishing a dedicated hub where patients can collect medication and receive advice.
It has also suggested expanding training for healthcare professionals to allow more staff to prescribe ADHD medication.
Responding to the findings, the Health Minister said increasing prescribing capacity is necessary and noted that two nurses from the adult mental health service are undergoing prescriber training.
However, Deputy Binet clarified that these nurses are not currently part of the ADHD team and would require additional funding and staff replacements if they were to be redeployed.
Mental Health Director Andy Weir confirmed that while nurses prescribe in various areas, including mental health, those currently in training are not expected to join the ADHD service.
Speaking to Express, Mr Weir said: “The nurses that are undertaking their prescribing training now don’t work in ADHD, and haven’t expressed the desire to work in ADHD.
“If we wish to have a nurse prescriber in ADHD, we need to get a nurse that wants to work in that area.”
The panel also recommended that the ADHD service should provide “a clear communication plan for those on the waiting list” within three months, after finding that the lack of status updates was “having an impact on the well-being of those waiting for an assessment”.
The Health Minister responded that the service is reviewing the list and developing a prioritisation model.
Everyone on the waiting list will receive an update by the end of March 2025, and the government is considering publishing waiting times regularly.
The panel also suggested that a “modified waiting area” should be set up in the new hospital to avoid the sensory issues of poor lighting, limited of seating, and loud announcements identified at the current hospital pharmacy.
But Deputy Binet assured that the design of the new acute facility follows best practices – taking into account lighting, acoustics, furniture, and wayfinding to support patients with sensory sensitivities.
“All waiting areas within the acute facility are designed to be inclusive for all users and are in line with recognised best practice,” the Minister wrote.
“A number of key elements such as materials, colour, lighting, acoustics, furniture, and textures have been considered during the design process to ensure accommodation of all users.”
Concluding, the Health Minister acknowledged the challenges facing Jersey’s ADHD service and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing them.
Deputy Binet said: “We are grateful to the Scrutiny Panel for their review.
“Many of the recommendations reflect work that has already been very much underway in relation to developing capacity within the service to meet greatly increased demand.
“As recognised by the review, these are international problems faced in many jurisdictions.
“The Panel heard about the efforts that have already been made to develop a shared care pathway, increase clinical capacity within the service, and manage the specific challenges faced as a result of reduced availability of medicines for those people already receiving this.
“These recommendations build upon this work, and we will continue to seek solutions to address the assessment, diagnostic, treatment and waiting challenges faced by those within the service, and those waiting to be seen – including, for example, the recent introduction of psychological support sessions for people who are waiting an assessment.”