Almost 10,000 patients benefit from NSW ADHD reforms

The NSW Government estimates that almost 10,000 people in the state have taken advantage of reforms allowing GPs to issue repeat prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications.
 
In an announcement this week, it said there are now more than 1100 GPs across the state who are able to prescribe under the changes.
 
It also said that 44% of those GPs are based outside of metropolitan Sydney.
 
Last year, the RACGP calculated that patients with ADHD would save between $500–$1,400 in out-of-pocket costs annually due to reforms, with the NSW Government saying patients had saved a total of up to $10 million on that basis.
 
According to RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman, the reforms demonstrate the impact that can be had when state governments collaborate effectively with GPs.
 
‘Allowing appropriately trained GPs to prescribe ADHD medication has reduced costs for families, cut wait times, and improved access to care, particularly for children and young people,’ she said.
 
‘GPs are the right place for ongoing ADHD care for many patients. This reform has eased pressure on an overstretched specialist system while ensuring care remains coordinated, evidence-based and centred around the patient.’
 
She said she was particularly encouraged to see strong uptake in rural and regional areas of NSW.
 
‘For families outside metropolitan areas, these changes are genuinely life-changing, removing expensive travel, long waits and unnecessary barriers to care,’ she said.
 
‘The RACGP supports reforms that improve access while maintaining patient safety.
 
‘Continued investment in GP training and clear clinical pathways will be essential to ensure these reforms remain sustainable and deliver long-term benefits for patients and the health system.’
 
Earlier this year, the State Government confirmed plans to allow NSW GPs to begin training to diagnose and initiate prescribing for ADHD.
 
This week, it said that 311 GPs have started the training across the state.
 
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ADHD ADHD reforms attention deficit hyperactivity disorder NSW