ADHD Shared Care Information

What is a shared care agreement?

A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is a formal arrangement where responsibility for prescribing and monitoring a medication is shared between a specialist service and your GP practice.

Shared care is commonly used once treatment has been started and stabilised by a specialist.

Is shared care automatic after a private ADHD assessment?

No, choosing a private ADHD assessment does not automatically mean that your GP practice can take over prescribing.

For safety, governance, and workload reasons, GP practices are not required to accept shared care arrangements with private providers. Each request is considered individually.

When might Penicuik Medical Practice consider shared care?

We may consider shared care where all of the following apply:

• A clear ADHD diagnosis has been made by an appropriately qualified clinician
• Medication has been fully started and stabilised by the specialist
• The medication is recommended in line with recognised clinical guidance and local prescribing policy
• Full written information is provided by the private provider
• Ongoing specialist follow-up is confirmed

When will shared care not be accepted?

Shared care will usually be declined if:

• Medication has not yet been stabilised
• Required clinical information is missing or unclear
• The medication is not suitable for GP prescribing
• Ongoing specialist follow-up is not in place
• There are safety or governance concerns

If shared care is declined, the private provider remains responsible for prescribing and monitoring.

What are my responsibilities as a patient?

If shared care is accepted, you must:

• Attend all GP and specialist appointments
• Complete any agreed monitoring (for example blood pressure or weight checks)
• Report side effects promptly

If reviews or monitoring are missed, GP prescribing may be paused.

Will declining shared care affect my NHS care?

No, declining shared care does not affect your right to NHS care. You may still be referred to NHS ADHD services where appropriate.

This summary is for information only. Full details are set out in the practice’s Shared Care Policy.