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Right to Choose: why it's paused and what the wait really looks like
Right to Choose lets NHS patients in England ask to be assessed by an approved independent provider, paid for by the NHS. In Kent and Medway, most routine Right to Choose autism and ADHD assessments are currently on hold. Here's why, and what it means for you.
Autism waiting times in England
294,792
people in England had an open referral for a suspected autism assessment in June 2026
86.8%
of them had been waiting longer than 13 weeks, the maximum NICE recommends before an assessment starts
On hold
routine Right to Choose autism and ADHD assessments in Kent and Medway, until at least April 2027
Source: NHS England, Autism Statistics July 2025 to June 2026. National figures are for autism assessments.
Why has it been paused?
- The budget ran out. NHS Kent and Medway spent about £28.9 million on Right to Choose in 2025/26 against a budget of about £5.3 million, an overspend of around £23.6 million.
- Activity caps. NHS commissioners now set each provider an agreed number of assessments per year (an "indicative activity plan"). When that number is reached, bookings stop. This is a funding decision, not a lack of clinicians.
- Demand keeps rising. Nationally, around 960,000 people are waiting for an ADHD assessment and around 295,000 for an autism assessment.
- Priority by need. In July 2026 providers were told to see only those with the highest clinical, safeguarding, educational or social care needs. Routine referrals are not expected to restart before April 2027.
Realistic delays, and why
- Nothing routine before April 2027. A routine referral made today will simply be held until then, at the earliest.
- Then the backlog. Everyone held during the pause joins the queue when funding restarts, and next year's caps are likely to be tight too. So realistically, many adults referred now should expect well over a year, and possibly two or more.
- No guaranteed dates. Before the pause, many providers quoted 9–12 months. Waits now depend on each year's agreed activity levels, so providers can't promise a date.
- It's happening elsewhere too. Other NHS areas have introduced minimum waits of 52 weeks to two years for these assessments.
Free, but long waits. Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust stopped providing adult ADHD assessments in March 2025.
Free, but routine referrals are on hold until at least April 2027, followed by a backlog. Only the highest-need cases are being seen.
A fixed, low fee (£450–£1,150), and you don't have to wait for NHS funding. Ask us about current appointment availability.
Information correct as of September 2026 and may change. Sources: Kent Current, Special Needs Jungle, The British Eye, ADHD UK. If you're already on an NHS list, you can stay on it while you consider other options.
What are your options?
Should I stay on my NHS or Right to Choose list?
You can stay on any NHS list while you consider other options. Having a self-funded assessment doesn't stop you being assessed by the NHS later. Check with your GP or the provider if you're unsure.
What if my needs are urgent?
Right to Choose providers in Kent and Medway are prioritising people with the highest clinical, safeguarding, educational or social care needs. If that may apply to you, speak to your GP. If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or Samaritans on 116 123.
What does a self-funded assessment with us involve?
A fixed, low fee (£450–£1,150), the same standardised tools used by NHS services, and two clinicians on every assessment. There's no waiting for NHS funding to restart. Start with a free 15-minute call.
Questions? Talk to us
Get in touch whichever way suits you. There's no commitment.