News

Update to Adult ADHD Assessment Referrals

Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) has introduced new thresholds for adult ADHD assessment referrals. These apply to all new referrals for people aged 18 and over, including local NHS services and Right to Choose providers. This update applies to ADHD only, not autism.

Before making a referral, a clinician must review whether the thresholds are met. A positive ADHD screening questionnaire alone is no longer sufficient: patients must meet at least one of the ICB’s priority criteria, supported by written evidence.

If you are seeking a referral, please explain how your symptoms affect your daily life, what support or adjustments you have tried and whether these have helped. Please include any relevant supporting information you already have.

If a referral cannot proceed, we will explain why and share the ICB’s patient information letter. Not meeting the referral thresholds does not mean that ADHD has been ruled out or that your difficulties are unimportant. Support remains available, and your eligibility can be reviewed if your circumstances change or further information becomes available.

Read more about adult ADHD services and referral arrangements on the NHS Thames Valley ICB website.

Don’t let flu spoil their fun – protect your child with the free nasal spray flu vaccine

Don’t let flu spoil their fun – protect your child with the free nasal spray flu vaccine

This autumn, your little one has a superpower waiting for them – and it’s just a spray away!

All children aged 2 and 3 years are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, given as a quick, painless nasal spray. No needles, no fuss – just a powerful shield to help protect them from flu.

Flu isn’t just a cold in disguise – it’s a serious illness that can:

• Cause high fever, sore throat, cough and extreme tiredness

• Lead to chest or ear infections

• In some cases, result in hospital stays for young children

Young children are particularly vulnerable, but with the nasal spray vaccine, they can fight off flu and get back to being little superheroes.

Why young children should have the nasal spray:

• Flu spreads quickly, especially among children who can pass it on to family and friends

• The nasal spray is safe, fast, and completely needle-free

• Having a child off nursery with flu can be disruptive for working parents

The flu virus changes every year, which is why children need the vaccine even if they had it last year. By vaccinating your child, you’re not just protecting them, you’re helping to protect the whole family, including grandparents, siblings, and others who are more vulnerable.

How to get your child vaccinated

If your child is aged 2 or 3 (on 31 August 2025), they can have the flu spray. We’ll contact you when it’s time to book and send you a link allowing you to book into one of our fun themed drop in clinics or if you prefer to book now? Call us on 01296 688201 and speak to reception.

What about younger or high-risk children? Children from 6 months of age with certain long-term health conditions may also be eligible for a flu vaccine. For children aged under two, the vaccine is given as an injection, not a nasal spray. If you're unsure whether your child qualifies, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise.

Got questions? We're here to help. If you’d like to talk to someone about the flu vaccine, please get in touch.

Improved Patient Access – Automated Entrance Door Now Installed

We are pleased to let our patients know that our new automated entrance door has now been installed and is fully operational.

This marks the completion of the recent works to repair the front of the building and improve access to the practice. The new automatic door will make it easier for all patients to enter the surgery, particularly those with mobility difficulties, wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and anyone carrying bags or equipment.

We would like to thank all of our patients for their patience and understanding while these improvement works have been taking place. We appreciate that the temporary disruption may have caused some inconvenience, and we are grateful for your continued support throughout the project.

These improvements form part of our ongoing commitment to making Ashcroft Surgery as accessible, welcoming and safe as possible for everyone who uses our services.

We hope you enjoy the improved access, and we look forward to continuing to make further enhancements to the practice over the coming months.

Cheddington and Stewkley Branch Site Closures

Over the past few years, we have made a number of changes to how we provide care. In early 2020, during the COVID‑19 pandemic, we made the difficult decision to close our Cheddington and Stewkley branch site clinics in order to protect our patients and staff. After careful consideration, we have now decided that these branch sites will not be reopening.

We understand that change can be challenging, and we want to ensure that every patient continues to feel supported and well cared for.

If you feel this decision may affect your ability to access our services, we warmly encourage you to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback helps us understand your needs and consider any reasonable adjustments that may support your care.

You can contact the surgery with your concerns by completing our  Comments and Suggestions form.

We truly value your input and thank you for helping us continue to improve the care we provide to our community.