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NHS ombudsman warns of years-long waits and patients paying thousands to go private as demand for services soars
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United Kingdom — Sarah Marsh Consumer affairs correspondent
NHS ombudsman warns of years-long waits and patients paying thousands to go private as demand for services soars
Complaints about autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder services in England have more than tripled in five years, official figures show, with the NHS ombudsman warning of years-long waits and patients paying thousands of pounds for private care.
One woman was removed from an ADHD medication waiting list without warning after almost four years, leaving her without the support she needed for about six months. Another patient was given an autism assessment lasting just 50 minutes that failed to follow guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, while a man referred to an ADHD service that was not yet operational ended up paying almost £4,000 for private treatment.
Complaints about autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder services in England have more than tripled in five years, official figures show, with the NHS ombudsman warning of years-long waits and patients paying thousands of pounds for private care.
This report is published with credit to The Guardian. Full available text from the wire is above. Read on The Guardian →
Source: The Guardian · Sarah Marsh Consumer affairs correspondent. Published 26 Aug 2026, 05:00 am.
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