See also Autism Provision by NHS Primary Care Trust 2012.
Dear Sarah
INFORMATION REQUESTED UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
Following your recent request for the supply of information relating to autistic spectrum disorder, which was acknowledged on 25th June 2012, this letter is to inform you of the progress made with your request.
The information you requested is detailed below.
- How many adults you have with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (any, although if there are separate statistics for Asperger’s, HFA, LFA, they would be appreciated) in your area;
NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale do not hold this information.
- How many children;
NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale do not hold this information.
- What diagnostic services are available to a) adults and b) children
a) The PCT has access to a provider to provide assessments for adult Asperger’s Syndrome. Currently this is accessed on an individual basis following funding approval by the PCT.
b) Interim service for under 5s provided by CAMHS; in the future it will be provided by Community Paediatric Services. Service for 5 and over is provided by CAMHS Tier 3 Team.
- What agencies or teams you have that work with autistic people, provide support/services, strategies, etc.
The PCT has a contract with our local provider, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, for CAMHS services, who work with children with autistic disorders.
Children and Disabilities Team commission a range of short breaks/respite care for children and families – the PCT has recently agreed new investment into this, which will increase capacity and meet unmet needs.
Many health services will provide support, examples include health visitors, school nursing, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, hospital services.
Dr Hildegard Schakel also provides assessments for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome.
- An email address/website for each of these agencies or teams where possible
Email: info.penninecare@nhs.net
Email: CWD@rochdale.gov.uk
Schakel Ltd
Clinical Psychology Services
Email: clinpsych@schakel.co.uk
- What the typical process should be for an adult in your area first asking their GP for an assessment for autistic spectrum disorder to receiving a diagnosis/support.
Currently, adults requesting an assessment via their GP would require PCT funding approval. GPs would therefore make the necessary application for funding to the PCT’s IFR Panel, known as the Treatment Advisory Group (TAG). Currently, funding would be approved if it deemed that an urgent assessment was required. Non-urgent applications would be placed on hold until the work around commissioning a service has been completed.
If you are dissatisfied with the way your request has been handled by the PCT or you have other concerns, you have the right to appeal and request a review of our decision, using the Trusts Internal Review Processes. You should write to:
Information Governance Manager
NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale
5th Floor, Telegraph House, Baillie Street
Rochdale
OL16 1JA
If following your review you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of your appeal, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner Officer (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the appeals procedure provided by NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale.
The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.
Yours sincerely
Elaine Bottomley
Freedom of Information Officer