No. The South East London (SEL) Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service (RTS) is responsible for triaging ALL adult patients (18 years and above) who are identified by a SEL GP as meeting the criteria for a first adult ADHD assessment. This includes referrals to both local ADHD assessment services delivered by South London and Maudsley (SLaM) and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trusts, as well as independent sector providers who hold a qualifying NHS contract for delivering adult ADHD assessments under national Right to Choose.
South East London Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service launched on 3 November 2025.
The service is for all adults registered with a GP in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, who present with suspected ADHD symptoms and meet the criteria for a first ADHD assessment.
The service is delivered by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust across all six boroughs.
All GP referrals for adult patients requiring a first ADHD assessment are sent to the SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service. The team reviews referrals and completes a clinical triage with patients, which includes offering information about all available ADHD treatment options.
The service is responsible for sending patient referrals to providers who conduct a first ADHD assessment. This includes South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and any independent sector provider with a qualifying contract under Right to Choose.
Service Inclusion Criteria
- Patients of 18 years and over who are registered with a SEL GP in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham or Southwark.
- Patients who present to a SEL GP with suspected symptoms of ADHD.
- Patients able to provide consent for the referral.
Service Exclusion Criteria
- Patients with acute mental health needs who require access to an emergency mental health service.
- Patients currently receiving treatment in secondary mental health services.
- Patients who have an existing ADHD assessment in progress or have been accepted on a waiting list for this service for 18 weeks or less.
- Patients who have previously received an assessment for ADHD.
- Patients with a moderate or severe learning disability.
- Patients who may require an assessment for autism (ASD).
- Patients with an ongoing substance misuse/alcohol dependency issue.
To access this service, please contact your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service only for GP referrals to an Independent Sector Provider for an ADHD Assessment?
Can GPs refer patients under Patient Choice directly to independent sector providers who hold a qualifying contract for delivering adult ADHD assessments?
All referrals for a first adult ADHD assessment must be sent to the SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service. Independent sector providers operating under Right to Choose with qualifying contracts no longer accept direct GP referrals for a first ADHD assessment, as payment for this service cannot be authorised by NHS South East London.
The service is hosted by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. Does this mean that it only takes referrals from Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich practices?
No – although the service is provided by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, the service has been developed in partnership with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and covers all six boroughs in south east London: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
Does this service restrict patient choice?
The SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service aims to honour patient choice and does not restrict where patients choose to have their assessment and care. The service seeks to ensure that patients make an informed decision about their care and treatment; for example, should a patient choose a provider who only holds a qualifying contract for ADHD assessment (not titration or medication), the service ensures the patient is aware of this and any possible implications. Furthermore, should the service identify through the triage process that the patient is likely to require medication, the service should discuss options with the patient to make sure the provider they then select is best placed to provide the assessment and further treatment options.
How does the service contact patients and complete a triage for a new ADHD assessment?
The service has been commissioned to operate as a virtual/telephone service. However, where reasonable adjustments are required for patients to engage with the service, these can be detailed as part of the GP referral form.
How quickly can the patient expect to be contacted by the service?
The service should contact the patient within 4-5 working days to set up a time for triage which should then happen within 10 days.
Is this service for patients who request a referral for ADHD medication, but have already been assessed?
No. If a patient has already received a formal ADHD diagnosis, they need to be referred by their GP to the appropriate local service according to their borough.
Can patients who are referred for a new ADHD assessment, choose a provider that is also able to offer titration / medication following a diagnosis of ADHD?
The service aims to honour patient choice when it comes to selecting their provider of choice. If the triage process identifies that a patient is seeking medication following an assessment, the patient will be advised of their options for services who are best placed to conduct the assessment as well as titration and medication if an ADHD diagnosis is the outcome of the assessment.
If a patient is 17 years old; can they be referred to the SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service?
The service is for patients who are 18 years and above with suspected symptoms of ADHD and who require a referral for a first adult ADHD assessment. Work is currently underway to consider transition service arrangements for patients who are just below this age.
Is this service suitable for referrals for patients requiring only an Autism (ASD) Assessment?
No, the service is for patients with suspected symptoms of ADHD and who have not previously received an ADHD assessment. Arrangements for patients seeking an Autism (ASD) assessment require a GP referral to the relevant borough team.
What is the process for patients who may require dual assessments for ADHD and Autism?
The SEL Adults ADHD Referrals Triage service can accept referrals for a new ADHD assessment. The patient’s GP will need to send a referral for an Autism assessment to the relevant teams as detailed in the previous question.
Can patients who have received an ADHD diagnosis overseas be referred to the service?
No. Only patients who have not received a formal ADHD diagnosis should be referred to the SEL Adults ADHD Referrals Triage Service.
If a patient is receiving treatment in a secondary mental health service. Can they be referred to the SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service?
No. If a patient is receiving treatment from a secondary mental health service in south east London, it is expected that their team should complete the assessment for ADHD.
Once the referral has been assessed by the service will GPs be expected to then send the referral onto the patient’s provider of choice?
No, GPs only need to refer once to the SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service. The service will ensure that once triage is complete, the referral is passed onto the relevant provider. To note, any incomplete referrals may be passed back to the referrer to ensure all the information is appropriately completed.
What is the role of the SEL ADHD Referrals Triage Service once a referral to the assessment provider been made?
The SEL Adult ADHD Referrals Triage team will be responsible for ensuring the safe transfer of care to the ADHD assessment provider and then discharge the patient.
How will GPs be notified of an ADHD assessment outcome?
The provider who is conducting the ADHD assessment will be required to contact the patient GP to advise of the outcome of the assessment and send a copy of their report which will be shared with the GP according to the provider’s usual practices for information sharing.
Does the service result in delays to patients?
The service has been commissioned to provide a specific ADHD intervention much earlier on in the patient’s ADHD treatment pathway than before. It provides individuals with information about a number of provider options which are available for a new ADHD assessment and any ongoing treatment which may be relevant to their needs.