NHS Right to Choose — NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB ICB

Right to Choose status varies and changes over time. Our platform tracks patient-reported outcomes for NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB ICB. Check the status badge on this page for the latest community-reported status. For the most authoritative answer, contact your ICB directly or speak to your GP.

NHS Right to Choose is a legal right in England allowing patients to choose their provider for a first outpatient appointment. For ADHD, this means your GP can refer you to an approved private provider at no cost to you — the NHS pays. Waits are typically 2–12 weeks instead of 3–7+ years on NHS lists.

Tell your GP: "I would like to exercise my NHS Right to Choose and be referred to [provider name] for an ADHD assessment." Your GP is legally required to facilitate this. If they push back, ask for the refusal in writing and contact your ICB's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

Contact your ICB's PALS service to challenge the restriction. Make a formal complaint — ICBs must respond within 40 working days. Contact your MP. NHS England has stated that RTC is a constitutional right that ICBs cannot remove wholesale. ADHD UK and ADHD Action publish template letters for challenging refusals.

The RTC referral typically covers the initial assessment only. Titration may be included in some providers' NHS contracts — check before accepting. Ongoing prescribing usually requires a shared care agreement with your GP. If your GP refuses shared care, see our shared care guide.