Refused Right To Choose

That's encouraging. Thanks again. 

No worries. I was diagnosed by ADHD 360 and my experience was very positive. Best of luck to you.

Thank you so much for this information. I will certainly make use of this if I encounter problems with the Autism360 referral

Just a thought here could it be the service in question closed themselves to new RTC?

I've seen Psychiatry UK close their books to new ASD/ADHD RTC people? So if you applied just as they closed their books perhaps that's why you got kicked back? Perhaps then trying again with a different RTC provider might have more success?

I'm new and only just saw this but I thought I'd let you know what I know in case it's of any help.

You cannot be refused your right to choose but many, including myself, do get refused and this is usually because the understanding of the Right to Choose legislation within the health service is woefully lacking. Fortunately there is a very straightforward process to resolve the problem. Once refused you need to contact NHS England, explain the situation and request that they get involved to ensure your rights are upheld. They will request your permission to access your health records and once that is given they will very quickly make sure that those who are blocking you from getting your referral are instructed to do as you have requested. They also make sure the NHS staff know what to do at a practical level to get you on the chosen list as soon as possible.

NHS England email:

england.contactus@nhs.net

Hi Old_Guy. Some right to choose services do operate a policy of if you're already on a waiting list they won't offer an assessment but like everything else, the guidelines seem to vary a lot across the country. FYI, my daughter had a terrible time with Psychiatry UK, they were awful. 

I work in mental health and have heard so many bad stories about them I've stopped suggesting them to folk wanting assessment. I think Autism 360 are reasonable, another good organisation to look out for are Clinical Partners.

Good luck with everything!

I would expect it is a case of prioritisation. Demand for assessments exceeds supply which is partly why there is good private provision.

They will probably look at younger people and those with higher support needs in preference.

I decided on a private solution because of this, but I appreciate not everyone has this option.

Good luck, at least your GP seems to be trying to help.

That sounds more hopeful now. I’m not in a Right to Choose area, but nowadays, for autism services and for anything else NHS related, I think we need to keep pushing to find out where we are on the waiting lists. I have disappeared from lists or been put back at the bottom a couple of times.

Thanks very much Jalapeno

Hi Old_Guy, sound like some progress so hope it's not much longer to wait

You've waited way too long already  - so will keep my fingers crossed for you

An update on my post from a couple of months ago. 

Neither I or my GP could find out why I'd been refused the Right To Choose assessment with Psychiatry UK - I may well write to them for more information. 

In the meantime, my GP (after some delay) has now referred my to Autsm 360 and I'm waiting to hear if they will give me an assessment. 

Thanks for the reassurance

Sorry, I realise I shouldn't be asking for advice, I guess I am asking if anyone else has come across the same issue and what they did about it. Thanks

• it made me smile because it’s exactly the same as I would be doing… 

There, I've found out how to correct it

You are so definitely one of us!

Sorry, that should read 'Refused Right To Choose