CHILDREN with ADHD are unable to access medication for the condition after child mental-health services suspended all new requests to start pharmaceutical treatment, the JEP has learned.

A leaked letter, sent by the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service
and seen by this newspaper, stated that the ADHD treatment pathway is “operating at full capacity” and that the service is currently “unable to accept any new requests for starting ADHD medication”.

In the message, addressed to patients and families, CAMHS said the decision had been taken to “maintain safe practice” and ensure that children and young people already receiving care continue to get medication reviews “within recommended timescales”.

CAMHS acknowledged the impact the move could have on affected families, saying: “We recognise that this may be disappointing and appreciate your understanding while we work to restore capacity.”

The letter offers non-medication support, directing families to weekly drop-in sessions run by the neurodevelopmental service, where staff can provide “guidance and support” on “non-pharmacological strategies or interventions”.

No indication was given in the letter as to when the suspension on new ADHD medication requests might be lifted.

ADHD Jersey founder Rachel Boss slammed the change as “discriminatory” and a “serious safeguarding failure”.

“ADHD is a recognised disability,” she said. “Two patients with the same condition cannot be given different treatment based on the date they were diagnosed.”

She added: “With an election approaching, this cannot be left to drift. We are calling on the Health Minister and the Children’s Minister to take urgent action, to clarify the position on medication immediately, to pause further changes to the ADHD pathway, and to bring patients, families, clinicians and educators into the room before any more decisions are made.

“Candidates standing for election should be asked, clearly, where they stand on this. Islanders with ADHD and the families supporting them deserve to know.”

Have you or your family been affected by changes to ADHD medication access or the CAMHS neurodevelopmental pathway in Jersey? The JEP would like to hear from Islanders willing to share their experiences.

If you would be willing to speak to a journalist, in confidence if preferred, please contact christie@allisland.media.