Use your Right to Choose

Yes, it is free at the point of use, just like any other NHS care. Assessment, titration and annual reviews are fully funded by the NHS. Medication is charged at the standard NHS prescription rate, or at no cost to you if you're exempt.

Yes – at Noodle, the specific details of our NHS contracts mean you can be referred straight to our medication pathway. We'll need to complete a short exercise to verify your private diagnosis first. Many other providers don't offer this.

In general, you're entitled to assessment and treatment on the NHS if it's your first episode of NHS care for the condition – even if you've previously received private care for that condition. Depending on where you live, your local NHS body may require you to complete a NHS assessment before accessing treatment.

If you've already received an NHS diagnosis elsewhere, you wouldn't normally be allowed to switch providers without permission from your local NHS area.

For advice about a specific patient, please get in touch.

Your GP must respect your Right to Choose. They can only decline if they don't believe a referral is appropriate – they can't refuse your choice of NHS-commissioned provider.

Download our GP referral pack above which includes a template email, referral form and leaflet that sets out your rights. 

How quickly we receive your referral depends on how quickly your GP sends it to us. We’ll email you as soon as we’ve processed your referral. For up-to-date waiting times about assessment and titration appointments, please see this Help Centre article.

Most NHS patients referred to Noodle can access our services in line with the arrangements set by their local NHS commissioner.

However, some Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have introduced additional restrictions on new ADHD referrals, assessments or treatment pathways. These restrictions apply across providers, and aren't unique to Noodle.

The position varies between areas, and may change over time as local NHS organisations review capacity, funding and commissioning arrangements.

Usually we are still able to see the patients with the highest clinical priority. It's worth noting that local restrictions can only impact when you might be seen, but they can't deny your right to a referral to Noodle.

Patients should be able to access timely, high-quality services for ADHD and autism. People should be able to make informed choices about their care.

Where restrictions are introduced, we engage constructively with ICBs to understand the rationale for changes and whether there are opportunities to improve access.

We have also raised concerns where we believe restrictions may have implications for patient rights under the NHS Constitution in relation to choice, waiting times and access to care. These discussions are ongoing.

Our priority remains working collaboratively with NHS commissioners while continuing to advocate for patients who need support.

Arrangements exist for patients with particularly urgent clinical needs or levels of risk.

Eligibility and pathways vary by commissioner, but we continue to work with ICBs to ensure that patients with the greatest clinical need can access appropriate support.

If you believe your circumstances have changed or your needs have become more urgent, please speak to your GP, or let our team know.

Patients have the right to raise concerns, ask questions or seek clarification from their local NHS commissioner regarding the services available in their area.

If you'd like independent information about access to ADHD services, waiting times or patient rights, ADHD UK provides guidance and resources that may be helpful. ADHD UK have also supported patients to raise local legal challenges and complaints.

Please note that Noodle isn't responsible for the content of external websites and cannot provide legal advice.