I share the concerns about the shortage of ADHD medicines and what impact this will have on people with ADHD in Bolton and across the country. Many rely on these medicines to function in their day-to-day lives, so I recognise that this shortage is a serious issue.

On 27 September, the Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England, issued a National Patient Safety Alert advising that “increased global demand and manufacturing issues” are behind the shortages. This is against the backdrop of increased awareness of the condition and the resultant rise in demand for diagnosis and treatment.

An estimated 2.6 million people have ADHD in the UK, yet many are only finding out about shortages when their pharmacy cannot supply their medication. It is unacceptable that patients are not being kept informed about the availability of their medication and that these shortages are causing them unnecessary stress and poor health.

I pay tribute to pharmacy teams in our constituency and across the country for their selfless dedication, protecting the health of the public and supporting the wider NHS. They are going to great lengths to source medicines for patients, but it is not always possible, and they are often left to deliver the bad news to patients.

It is therefore crucial that the Government, the NHS, and the pharmaceutical industry work together to improve the supply and availability of ADHD medicines, as well as ensuring clear communication so those on the frontline dispensing medicines have the latest and most up-to-date information about any drug shortages. This includes information about how long any shortage might last and what is being done to fix the problem.

I have written to both the Minister for Health and Secondary Care, Andrew Stephenson, and the Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Fiona Noden, and raised the shortage with them. I have posted copies of these letters below for you to see.