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The Health Department is still considering the possibility of closing the waiting list for ADHD assessments – despite the hire of a new senior member of staff with a "specific focus" on reviewing the lengthy queue.
A report presented to the Health Advisory Board last week revealed that a new senior practitioner has been recruited part-time "with a specific focus on reviewing the waiting list and supporting the development of assessment capacity".
But despite the new hire, Mental Health Director Andy Weir said that the possibility of closing the ADHD assessment waitlist is still under review.
He said: “We have not made a decision to close the waiting list; instead, we will continue to review this."
Pictured: The amount of time islanders are waiting for an ADHD assessment continues to increase each month.
Back in March, Mr Weir told the Health and Social Security Panel that the Health Department was considering closing the ADHD assessment waitlist or prioritising assessments based on the severity and impact of symptoms.
He explained: "[ADHD] waiting lists have just got to the point where there is no point putting more people on them, frankly."
There are currently over 700 islanders awaiting an ADHD assessment.
The report warned: "The ADHD waiting list continues to grow, with an average wait of 399 days currently for patients that have been seen and a forecast wait of over three years for new referrals."
Pictured: In March, Mental Health Director Andy Weir said closing the ADHD assessment waitlist was being considered due to its excessive length – but no decision had been reached yet.
Rachel Tippet, the founder of non-profit advocacy group ADHD Jersey, previously warned that shutting down the ADHD waitlist could have a real impact on the lives of undiagnosed islanders.
She explained that, when left untreated, the neuro-developmental disorder can place significant strain on an individual's mental health, professional life, personal relationships, and self-worth.
ADHD Jersey's secretary Carly Williams added: "The potential challenges include relationship breakdowns, loss of jobs, children's services involvement where parents struggle, substance abuse and suicide.
"Those who can get private assessments likely will, but what about those who can't afford it?"
The report discussed at last week's Health and Community Services Advisory Board meeting can be read in full HERE.
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