New ADHD service provider could reduce child assessment waiting times in Lancashire

A new ADHD service provider for some children and young people in Lancashire could reduce assessment waiting times, it is hoped.

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has used additional investment to commission Clinical Partners to provide an ADHD service for children and young people who have no additional mental health diagnoses.

The service will be provided on an interim basis while longer-term arrangements are developed. They say: “It is hoped the introduction of the new provider will see a reduction in waiting times for some children and young people in Lancashire and South Cumbria.”

Clinical Partners will provide this service which was previously provided by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT). Families do not need to take any action. Referrers, GPs and schools and the families/carers of the children and young people affected will be made aware of these new arrangements and will be contacted by LSCFT directly, explaining their individual circumstances and next steps.

Children and young people whose referrals were transferred from LSCFT to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTH) under the arrangements announced in June will remain with BTH and will not be transferred to Clinical Partners.

A statement said: “We understand how difficult long waits have been for families and that a change of provider may raise questions. We will keep affected families informed and update our frequently asked questions to explain what the changes mean for them and what happens next.

“Meanwhile, the ICB is working with providers to put in place a sustainable, long-term service in line with national clinical guidance.

“As a system we are progressing with the implementation of our new local neurodevelopmental model for children and young people and their families which has been co-produced with parents, carers and wider stakeholders.”

Background

In February 2026, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) initially announced a pause on new children's ADHD referrals due to high demand, but quickly reversed the decision following public outcry.

In July, the ICB announced that it had commissioned additional capacity to increase appointments for assessments, working with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT), with many hildren’s referrals being transferred to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. They said this change would improve how referrals are reviewed and prioritised, ensure families receive timely advice and support, and “create a more consistent and sustainable service across the region”.

For further information on the latest update, please visit the ICB’s neurodevelopmental pathway webpage.