Some patients receive an ADHD diagnosis and begin treatment through a specialist service. In some cases, the specialist may ask the GP practice to take over prescribing and monitoring of ADHD medication through a shared care arrangement.

At present, The Brimington Surgery is unable to accept new shared care arrangements for ADHD medication where there is no appropriately commissioned and resourced local shared care pathway in place with the specialist service involved. This means there is no formal agreement that clearly defines clinical responsibilities, ongoing specialist support, monitoring requirements, and the resources needed to support this additional work within general practice.

Our position is consistent with current BMA General Practitioners Committee (GPC) England collective action guidance, which, from 1 July 2026, advises GP practices to decline new shared care arrangements that are not supported by a locally commissioned agreement, adequate resourcing, and clear clinical responsibilities. The BMA guidance also confirms that shared care prescribing is voluntary and that additional prescribing and monitoring responsibilities undertaken by general practice should be delivered through an appropriately funded and commissioned pathway.

As a result, we are unable to assume responsibility for prescribing and monitoring ADHD medication under these arrangements.

This decision is not a judgement on a patient's diagnosis or the appropriateness of treatment recommended by their specialist. It reflects the absence of a suitable commissioned shared care pathway and the governance arrangements required for the practice to safely undertake this work.

Where shared care is not in place, responsibility for ongoing prescribing and monitoring remains with the specialist service that initiated treatment unless and until an appropriate local shared care pathway becomes available.

Should a formally commissioned local agreement be established in the future, we would be happy to review and consider shared care requests in line with that pathway.

If you have any questions about your ADHD medication or ongoing treatment, please contact the specialist service responsible for your care.