Shared Care Agreement


Overview of the Shared Care Policy

The Shared Care Policy is designed to ensure the safe and seamless prescribing of psychiatric medications, including ADHD stimulants, antidepressants, and anxiety medications, between Southside Psychiatry (private secondary care) and NHS primary care providers. By promoting effective communication and shared responsibilities, this policy supports equitable access to treatments while ensuring consistent and safe care.

How Shared Care Works

Southside Psychiatry will communicate with a patient’s GP to discuss Shared care prior to commencing any treatment. Not all GP Practices are able to engage in a shared care agreement. If the GP practice are unable to engage in shared care, Southside psychiatry will offer treatment via private prescription.

If the patient is being assessed for treatment of ADHD, Southside Psychiatry must be provided with a copy of the patient’s GP records.

If shared care is accepted by the patient’s GP practice:

  • Initiation of Treatment: Southside Psychiatry will assess the patient and recommend the initiation of treatment . there will be ongoing monitoring during the early stages, ensuring the patient is responding well.

  • (on occassion, the initial prescription may be provided by southside Psychiatry )

  • Shared Responsibilities: Once the patient is on a regular dose, Southside Psychiatry will provide follow up every 6 months.

  • Collaboration: Healthcare professionals from both Southside Psychiatry and NHS primary care collaborate closely to ensure the patient’s safety and treatment continuity.

Roles and Responsibilities

For Patients:

  • Actively participate in their care by attending follow-up appointments and raising any concerns about their treatment.

  • Report any side effects or issues to the specialist team or their GP.

  • Inform healthcare professionals if they require clarification about their treatment.

  • Patients have the right to decline shared care if it is not in their best interests.

For Relatives and Carers:

  • Support the patient in fulfilling their responsibilities and participate in discussions about treatment when appropriate.

For Specialist Clinicians at Southside Psychiatry:

  • Initiate treatment or recommend the initiation of treatment, monitor progress, and stabilize the patient’s condition.

  • Share detailed treatment plans and monitoring requirements with the NHS GP.

  • Continue prescribing if the NHS GP is unable to take on the responsibility for any reason.

  • Provide patients with clear information about their treatment, including any unlicensed medications.

For NHS GPs:

  • Agree to take on prescribing responsibilities once the patient is stable and informed consent has been given.

  • Conduct ongoing monitoring as specified in the shared care agreement.

  • Communicate with Southside Psychiatry regarding any concerns or changes in the patient’s condition.

Monitoring and Additional Care

ECG Monitoring:

  • Patients with cardiac risks (e.g., personal or family history of cardiac issues or high doses of psychiatric medications) may require ECG testing. As Southside Psychiatry lacks ECG facilities, patients will be referred to their NHS GP or a private provider for this testing.

Blood Testing:

  • If blood tests are needed (e.g., for monitoring liver, kidney, or metabolic health), patients will similarly be referred to their NHS GP or a private provider.

Patient Education and Consent

Patients are provided with clear information about their treatment, including medication benefits, potential side effects, and required monitoring. Informed consent is essential for shared care arrangements, ensuring patients understand and agree to the collaborative care plan