Phase 1 of the Minns Labor Government's landmark ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) reforms have come into effect this week allowing trained GPs to prescribe ongoing medicines for their patients previously diagnosed with ADHD.
The commencement of these reforms is the first step in providing more accessible ADHD care in NSW as part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to increase access to healthcare regardless of where you live.
Around 1,330 general practitioners in NSW have already expressed an interest in participating in the staged reforms since the EOI process opened in July.
Of those, 62 have completed the required training and are now classed as continuation prescribers.
Currently, most people seeking ADHD care must navigate a costly and overloaded non-GP specialist system, experiencing long wait times and high fees which could delay treatment, particularly for children.
These delays can have a significant impact on children's development, such as poorer academic progress, and later employment opportunities and mental health.
Details on the second stage, which will allow GPs to commence psychostimulant medicines, will be released later this year.
These changes will support paediatricians and psychiatrists to see new patients, as stable patients can access their GP for continuing management and medication. These reforms also recognise the holistic care that is best delivered in a general practice setting, providing support that looks at the whole patient, considering their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing needs. GPs will continue to refer and escalate the care of patients where there are concerns about their management.
Through NSW Health, the Minns Labor Government is covering the cost of training and access to resources for GPs so as many people as possible can benefit from these changes.
More information is available on the NSW Health website.
Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:
"This is a really important milestone in our work to build a fairer system by reducing the cost of treatment and removing red tape for thousands of families.
"Now, rather than waiting months for an appointment to see a paediatrician or psychiatrist for repeat scripts, people can see a trained GP to get access to the ongoing medication they or their child needs to treat their ADHD.
"This reform is a commonsense change which we hope can help break the cycle of people having to wait years for what can be a life-altering diagnosis."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The response from the GP community has been really positive and ultimately what it means is people with ADHD are going to have better access to the care they need.
"For too long there has been underinvestment in healthcare access for regional and rural communities. The Minns Labor Government remains committed to building a better health system right across the state and the rollout of this important reform to ADHD care is part of that plan.
"As well as saving patients and their families time and money, we're enabling GPs to do something they have always wanted to do and that is help their patients as much as they can in the primary health setting."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"We've seen incredible support for these reforms. From families, patients and from the more than 1,300 GPs who have already put their hand up to take part.
"This is the start of a new chapter in ADHD care in NSW. From today, patients can get more of their ongoing care from their GP, and early next year, trained GPs will also be able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medicines. That means faster, fairer, and more affordable care for thousands of people across the state.
"We are building a system where ADHD care is based on need, not income. No more waiting lists just to refill your script. No more reaching for your credit card to access essential healthcare."
Quotes attributable to RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:
"It's fantastic the first 62 GPs can now provide the continuing support families and patients with an ADHD diagnosis and prescriptions need. I'm proud to be one of them.
"Having a GP who you know and trust is the best way to be physically and mentally healthy. We train to provide the kind of whole-of-person, lifelong, accessible care people living with ADHD need.
"About one in 10 GPs in New South Wales have already expressed interest in training to provide this care across our metropolitan, regional and rural communities, so accessible and affordable ADHD care is around the corner for a growing number of patients. Our state is leading the way in making ADHD care accessible to everyone."
