Right to Choose ADHD assessment from Southampton
Right to Choose lets patients registered with an NHS GP in Southampton pick any qualifying NHS-contracted provider for ADHD assessment — at no cost. Here's the step-by-step pathway, who qualifies, and what wait times look like in 2026.
What Right to Choose is
Right to Choose (RTC) is a legal right under the NHS Constitution that lets patients in England — including Southampton — choose which provider carries out their first outpatient appointment for a non-urgent referral. For ADHD, this means you can ask your GP to refer you to any provider in England that holds an NHS contract, including specialist private clinics that operate NHS-funded pathways.
Who qualifies in Southampton
RTC applies to adults registered with an NHS GP practice in England (including Southampton), for non-urgent referrals to consultant-led services. Children's referrals follow different rules. If you're already on an NHS waiting list with a different provider, you generally cannot switch retrospectively — but you can use RTC for any new referral.
The 5-step pathway from a Southampton GP
Step 1: Pick your provider from the comparison and check their current Right to Choose wait time. Step 2: Ask your GP to refer you under Right to Choose to that specific provider — referencing the NHS Constitution if needed. Step 3: The provider sends you an assessment date, often via NHS e-Referral. Step 4: You're assessed at NHS expense. Step 5: If diagnosed, you're titrated and prescribed on the NHS, with shared care arranged through your Southampton GP.
If your Southampton GP refuses
GPs are required to support patient choice for eligible referrals. If your GP refuses, ask for the reason in writing and contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for support. You can also register with a different Southampton GP practice if their policy is more supportive.
Frequently asked
- Can I use Right to Choose from Southampton?
- Yes — Right to Choose is available to all patients registered with an NHS GP in England, including Southampton.
- Can my Southampton GP refuse the Right to Choose referral?
- Generally no, if the criteria are met. GPs are required to support patient choice for eligible referrals. If refused, ask for the reason in writing and contact your local ICB or PALS.
- Do I still pay for prescriptions under Right to Choose?
- You pay the standard NHS prescription charge (£9.90 per item in 2026 in England), or nothing if you're exempt or hold a Prescription Prepayment Certificate.
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