General practitioners in NSW will be able to resupply ADHD medication to their patients from September, marking the first phase of landmark reforms by the NSW Government to make ADHD care cheaper and accessible.
To support the rollout, the Government is today inviting GPs to express their interest in undertaking the required training by completing an EOI form on the NSW Health website.
These reforms will ease pressure on families who currently face long waits and high out-of-pocket costs to access life changing ADHD care, said Minister for Health, Ryan Park.
“The beginning of this training is a welcome milestone because it means people, especially children, with ADHD are one step closer to having their condition managed by a GP,” said Mr Park.
“These reforms will have a positive impact on patients both in terms of saving them time and money while accessing care that they need, but we also know the flow on effects will be huge.”
He said that currently, most people seeking ADHD care must navigate a costly and overloaded specialist system, experiencing long wait times and high fees which could delay treatment and cause harm, particularly for children. These delays can have a significant impact on their development, such as poorer academic progress, employment opportunities and mental health, the Minister said.
Once training is completed, GPs will be able to manage resupply prescriptions without needing a formal arrangement with a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
“The new training program empowers GPs to expand their scope and ensure more equitable access to ADHD treatment across NSW, particularly for children and families in regional and rural areas,” said RACGP NSW & ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman.
“GPs are experts in long-term, holistic, complex and chronic care. This reform recognises our role and strengthens the continuity of care for people living with ADHD.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to upskilling and supporting GPs, and we look forward to seeing these changes improve lives from September. No longer should ADHD be stigmatised, doing this brings it into mainstream care, and ensures all patients will be able to access the care they need”
By the end of the year, further training to enable GPs to diagnose and initiate medication will begin.
“Since our announcement last month, we’ve seen an overwhelming outpouring of support for these reforms. From women, parents, teachers and people with ADHD who know just how broken the old system was,” said Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson.
“Women, especially those who were undiagnosed as children, often face stigma and financial barriers when they finally seek support for ADHD. Giving GPs the ability to resupply is a simple, practical step that will make a real difference.
“We are building a system where ADHD care is based on need, not income. No more waiting lists just to refill your script. No more reaching for your credit card to access essential healthcare.
“These reforms are about fairness. Your ability to get help for ADHD shouldn’t depend on how much money you have or whether you can afford a specialist appointment.”
NSW Health is paying for GPs to complete this training and access to resources so as many people as possible can benefit from these changes.
“NSW Health is proud to have worked on these reforms that create another avenue for patients to receive the care they need,” said NSW Health Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant.
“We look forward to supporting doctors who make the decision to complete this training.”
