Skip to main content
Private autism and ADHD providers costing ICB 'three times more' than NHS, report finds

CAMPAIGNERS urged the government today to save money by investing directly in NHS services after a report revealed that private treatment of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is costing one health board “three times more” than its own equivalent. 

Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) found that the use of independent providers under “right to choose” rules was expected to have cost £3 million in 2024-25, according to a review obtained by the Health Service Journal (HSJ).

Under the rules, patients have the legal right to choose where they receive treatment, including at private providers that hold an NHS contract.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You can read five articles for free every month,
but please consider supporting us by becoming a subscriber.
More from this author
A demonstrator outside the Royal Courts of Justice, May 13, 2025
Britain / 13 May 2025
13 May 2025

Campaigners say there is clear evidence British weapons are contributing to war crimes as the government goes on trial to defend its continued supply of arms to Israel

Office workers and commuters walking through Canary Wharf in London during the morning rush hour
Workers' Rights / 13 May 2025
13 May 2025
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking during a press conference on the Immigration White Paper in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, May 12, 2025
Britain / 12 May 2025
12 May 2025

Unions and campaigners condemn Prime Minister's ‘far-right’ rhetoric and new immigration policies

Similar stories
Staff on a NHS hospital ward at Ealing Hospital in London, January 18, 2023
Health Service / 9 May 2025
9 May 2025
Features / 17 March 2025
17 March 2025
Behind Starmer’s headline-grabbing abolition of NHS England lies a ruthless drive to centralise control so that cuts of £6.6 billion can be made — even if it means reducing cancer services and clinical staff, writes JOHN LISTER
Health secretary Wes Streeting gives a speech during a visit
Britain / 11 July 2024
11 July 2024