Two Sussex mental health services shortlisted for national HSJ awards

Two Sussex services have been shortlisted for national awards recognising their work to improve care for adults with ADHD and young people with complex mental health needs.

ADHD Primary Care Connect is in the running for Mental Health Innovation of the Year at the 2026 Health Service Journal Awards.

The programme is a partnership between the Sussex Primary Care Provider Collaborative, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board.

It is exploring how ADHD assessment, diagnosis and continuing support can be provided closer to patients’ homes through local GP practices.

Since its launch, the service has received 2,440 referrals across pilot areas in Brighton and Hove, Crawley and Hastings. It has also received highly positive feedback from patients.

Between 41,000 and 55,500 adults in Sussex are estimated to have ADHD, while referrals for adult assessments have tripled during the past five years. More than 15,000 adults are currently on Sussex Partnership’s ADHD assessment waiting list.

GP clinical lead Dr David Fox said: “Having a local service means face-to-face assessments are the norm, with clinicians who understand the local community and the support available. One patient not only received an ADHD assessment and treatment but was also connected with our PCN social prescribing team for workplace support. Because we work within local general practice, we're also able to identify and manage other health needs, providing more holistic care than a remote service alone.

“I hope this pilot demonstrates that ADHD assessment and support is an essential part of modern healthcare. By providing equitable access to timely assessment, diagnosis and treatment closer to home, we can improve outcomes for people with ADHD while reducing avoidable costs across the wider health and care system that arise when this care is not delivered as a local service.”

The Southern Counties CAMHS Provider Collaborative, led by Sussex Partnership, has also been shortlisted in the Provider Collaborative of the Year category.

It has invested in alternatives to inpatient care, including the COAST intensive home-treatment service and Spring Tide, an eating-disorder day service in Sussex.

The services were co-designed with people who have lived experience and are helping young people remain out of hospital. Admissions have fallen from a peak of 100 to fewer than 65.

Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, said: “ADHD is a significant challenge for the NHS nationally, as both assessment waiting lists and diagnoses grow. This is a particular challenge in Sussex, where as many as 55,000 people are estimated to be living with ADHD.

“Innovation is key to finding solutions to the ADHD challenge that are sustainable and help those living with ADHD access the care and support they need. Primary Care Connect is an example of how innovation can unlock solutions in ADHD care, so we’re thrilled that this innovation, and the positive impact it is having, has been recognised by the HSJ. This is testament to the hard work of our teams and partners across Sussex.”

Katherine Saunders, Sussex Primary Care Provider Collaborative, said: “ADHD Primary Care Connect shows how neighbourhood provider collaboration can turn a complex system problem into a practical local service for patients.

"Primary Care Provider Collaboratives can play a vital role in bridging system strategy and neighbourhood delivery - creating consistent, scalable models that improve access and move care closer to home.

"Being shortlisted for an HSJ Award is fantastic recognition of the teams, partners and people with lived experience who have worked together to develop and deliver the service.”

Dr Amy Dissanayake, deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said: “Primary Care Connect is making a real difference for people across Sussex by bringing ADHD assessment, diagnosis and, critically, ongoing support irrespective of diagnosis, within the community. For many adults, this means quicker access to care, greater understanding of their needs and support that is better connected to local services and communities. The HSJ recognition reflects the hard work of all the teams and partners involved, and shows how innovation in mental health care can improve people’s lives now, while offering learning that could benefit many more others nationally.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony later in the autumn. The HSJ Awards have recognised excellence in healthcare for almost 50 years and are independently judged by senior healthcare leaders from the NHS and beyond.

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