Shared Care Agreement Letter Template

Hi XXX,

I would like to formally raise a complaint following the decision of XXX Surgery/Medical Practice to deny the Shared Care Agreement of my ADHD medication.

My ADHD diagnosis was carried out by (insert provider), who the NHS frequently work with as a provider of Right To Choose assessments. My assessment was carried out by a Psychiatrist who also works under the NHS, and the assessment complies with all NICE guidelines. That same Psychiatrist has advised that I take (insert medication name/dosage) on an ongoing basis and that my GP continue this prescription through Shared Care. Therefore, it is unjustifiable to suggest that the advice of my psychiatrist should be dismissed, and denying my medication places my life at serious risk.

As a reminder of the obligations that govern my right to treatment, I am protected by:

• The Equality Act 2010: The Equality Act protects me as a disabled and neurodivergent individual, and denying my legally prescribed medication without evidence of any specific clinical risk could constitute unlawful discrimination.
• ⁠NICE Guidelines for ADHD treatment: These outline that patients diagnosed by qualified professionals are entitled to treatment continuity, including ADHD medication. By refusing to honour the Shared Care Agreement, the surgery is failing to adhere to these established clinical standards.
• Health and Social Care Act 2012: This requires healthcare providers to respect patient choice and prioritise high-quality, patient-centered care.
• General Medical Council Good Medical Practice Guidelines: The GMC mandates that doctors must act in patients’ best interests, provide timely and necessary care, and avoid causing unnecessary harm. (insert surgery name)’s decision to withhold my ADHD medication, despite the clear medical need for continuity and established safety of this treatment, is contradictory to these guidelines and endangers my health.

Furthermore, if this issue is not resolved promptly, I will have no choice but to escalate my complaint to:

• NHS England for a review of (insert surgery name)’s decision-making around Shared Care Agreements and private ADHD diagnoses.
• The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to investigate any potential breaches in my right to adequate care, and
• The Care Quality Commission (CQC) to review the surgery’s adherence to ethical and legal obligations regarding patient care and disability discrimination.

Research shows that adults with ADHD are 5 times more likely to attempt suicide and that 1 in 4 women with ADHD have made attempts on their life. This medication is life-saving and absolutely necessary. I implore you to reinstate my prescription with immediate effect and to seriously consider the impact of making it so difficult for your disabled and neurodivergent patients to access the care they need and deserve.

Kind Regards,

(insert name)