01732 792022

enquiries@sinclairstrong.co.uk

Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd (SSC)

NHS Accredited Provider for

Adult Autism & ADHD Diagnostic & Treatment Pathways

 

Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd (SSC) is delighted to confirm that we are now an accredited provider under the Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) for NHS Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Pathway services. This includes comprehensive Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments, as well as pharmacological treatment for ADHD.

NHS Right to Choose (RTC)

Under the NHS Legal Right to Choose Guidance, patients have the legal right to select their provider for elective care, including mental health services.

  • Your GP must decide if it is clinically appropriate to make a referral.
  • Staff in the GP practice or a referral management team may be able to refer patients on behalf of their GP, according to locally agreed referral protocols and processes. However, in this instance, the patient’s GP would remain the responsible referrer and must ensure that any such referrals on their behalf are clinically appropriate.
  • Sinclair-Strong Consultants (SSC) Ltd is listed as an eligible provider under this scheme.

Right to Choose (RTC) does not apply to patients:

  • Who have self-referred
  • Who are already receiving care following an elective referral for the same condition
  • Who are referred to a service that is commissioned by a local authority (not part of a joint commissioning arrangement) or delivered through primary care
  • Who are accessing urgent or emergency (crisis) care
  • Who are serving as a member of the armed forces
  • Who are in prison or detained in hospital under Mental Health Act 1983 or a secure service

Is prior approval from the patient’s responsible ICB required before referral?

No prior commissioner approval is required for referrals where the patient has exercised ‘choice’ of provider under their legal rights. However, GPs are expected to comply with any local ICB commissioning policies and only refer in line with these.

  • GPs will need to understand exactly what NHS service the patient will receive before they refer into the service.
  • Where initiatives such as Clinical Assessment Services or Single Point of Access (SPA) are put in place, these should not obstruct the patient’s legal rights. In these circumstances, choice should be offered at the most appropriate point in the pathway before an elective referral.
  • Further information regarding the right to choose is available on the NHS website.

Information for GPs and Primary Care Partners

GPs are encouraged to support ‘patient choice’ by:

  • Discussing RTC options with patients.
  • Ensuring referrals are clinically appropriate and aligned with ICB commissioning policies (see below).
  • Naming Sinclair-Strong Consultants (SSC) Ltd on the referral form where clinically appropriate and where patients exercise their right to choose.

Patients should be aged 17.5+ years to be eligible to be referred to our adult services.

Autism Referrals within Kent & Medway ICB:

  • All autism referrals must be made by GPs to Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT).
  • Patients should indicate Sinclair-Strong Consultants (SSC) Ltd as their preferred provider on the referral form. KCHFT will triage and forward eligible referrals to us directly.

Autism Referrals from All Other ICB Areas:

ADHD Referrals from All ICB Areas:

Referral Form/s:

Why Choose Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd?

Trusted Provider

SSC Ltd is a long-serving trusted provider to Kent & Medway ICB, commissioned via the ICB for the Kent and Medway Complex Autism Service (KAMCAS) due to our expert Consultant-led Psychiatry, Psychology and Multidisciplinary Team. SSC is also commissioned to deliver diagnostic assessment and treatment services for those with complex needs, including those who have intellectual disabilities and/or co-occurring moderate to severe mental health conditions.

Waiting Times & Quality Assurance

Right to Choose (RTC) – Important Update

We remain committed to supporting patients through Right to Choose (RTC) and continue to accept referrals from all Integrated Care Board (ICB) areas. However, please note that waiting times can vary depending on your ICB area. Unfortunately, some areas are currently experiencing longer delays. We understand how difficult this can be and want to be transparent about what this means for you.

ICB Areas Currently Experiencing Longer Wait Times

  • Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE) ICB
  • Greater Manchester ICB
  • Black Country ICB
  • Kent & Medway ICB (ADHD Assessment)

Current Waiting Times for non-affected ICB Areas

  • Adult RTC ADHD Assessment: 8–12 weeks
  • Authorisation to provide NHS ADHD medication prescriptions (where clinically appropriate)
  • Medication wait times: Dependent on clinical suitability – typically 4–6 weeks
  • Adult RTC Autism Assessment: 6–8 weeks

Shared Care Agreement Needed for Post-Titration?

  • Not required but recommended
  • Shared care agreements are requested for all patients stabilised on medication
  • If shared care is declined by the GP, Sinclair-Strong will continue to prescribe for patients where GP refuses, and annual reviews are conducted for all patients

Next Steps for Patients

  • Stay informed: We will contact you as soon as an appointment becomes available.
  • Reach out if needed: If your circumstances change or you need support while waiting, please contact your GP for advice and assistance.
  • Explore options: You may wish to discuss alternative pathways with your GP if waiting times are a concern.

How to Contact Your GP for Support

If you are struggling while waiting, your GP is your first point of contact. They can:

  • Offer medical advice and review your current health needs
  • Discuss alternative treatment options or pathways
  • Provide urgent support if your condition worsens

Mental Health Support

If you are feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed during this waiting period:

  • Speak to your GP about mental health concerns—they can refer you to appropriate services
  • You can also contact your local NHS mental health service directly for urgent help
  • If you are in crisis, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency

Your wellbeing matters, and help is available while you wait. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve access for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Why are waiting times different across ICB areas?
    Each ICB area has implemented measures for its residents, which may include:
  • Limited activity for certain services
  • Set waiting time thresholds
  • Pre-approval requirements before referrals can proceed

These local policies are outside our control, but we will always process your referral as soon as possible.

  1. What can I do if I’m affected by longer waiting times?
    If you need help or advice while waiting, please contact your GP. They can:
  • Review your current situation
  • Discuss alternative options
  • Provide support if your condition changes

Please note: We are unable to override ICB measures or speed up referrals beyond what is permitted locally.

  1. Will I lose my place if I wait?
    No. Your referral remains valid, and you will be contacted as soon as an appointment becomes available.

Quality Assurance

As an accredited provider, Sinclair-Strong Consultants (SSC) Ltd meets Kent & Medway ICB’s quality and service standards, including Kent & Medway shared care agreements and ongoing monitoring responsibilities. SSC will work closely with other ICBs’ shared care protocols to ensure patients receive the best possible care and treatment for their needs.

Contact Us

For further information or to discuss referrals, please contact:

Our online referral form will be published soon; in the meantime, please request via the above referral enquiries email.

All completed and eligible referrals must be emailed to referralsRTC@sinclairstrong.co.uk