Scotland is facing an unprecedented rise in mental health challenges, with ADHD emerging as a significant concern. As highlighted in the NAIT Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathways report, from 2020 to 2023, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde saw a staggering 1,000% increase in ADHD assessment referrals, while NHS Fife experienced a 500% surge from 2012 to 2022. This surge has strained NHS resources, with lengthy waiting lists, understaffing, and stretched funding creating obstacles for timely ADHD assessment and treatment. For adults, recorded ADHD diagnoses have increased by 800% within just three years at NHS GGC, yet nationally, over 90% of likely ADHD cases were not prescribed medication.
Community Mental Health Teams are overburdened, as traditional systems struggle to keep pace with the demand. The existing model is often inefficient, relying on manual processes, paper-based referrals, and fragmented workflows, which collectively lead to delays in diagnosis and missed opportunities for early intervention. There is an urgent need for a scalable, tech-driven solution that can reduce administrative burdens while enabling clinicians to provide proactive care.
Red Star’s ADHD Platform: A Digital Solution for a Pressured System
In collaboration with the Chief Scientist Office and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, Red Star has developed a comprehensive platform tailored to meet these challenges head-on. Our digital ADHD platform offers a fully automated solution that improves every stage of mental health management—referral, assessment, monitoring, and treatment.
- Streamlined Referral and Caseload Management: The platform provides a unified view of all cases, allowing healthcare teams to manage referrals efficiently and prioritise patients based on clinical needs.
- Automated Screening and AI-Driven Assessments: By digitising records and automating assessments with tools like the online DIVA-V form, our platform removes much of the paperwork and enables quicker identification of those in need of immediate care.
- Patient Portal for Self-Monitoring: The user-friendly portal empowers patients to track their progress, submit health information, and receive reminders for follow-up, reducing the need for frequent in-person appointments.
- Real-Time Service Monitoring and Reporting: With continuous monitoring and real-time reporting, NHS teams can gain insights into service performance, address any emerging bottlenecks, and continuously improve efficiency across ADHD and related services.
“Our partnership with the Chief Scientist Office and West of Scotland Innovation Hub marks a significant step in modernising ADHD care. By addressing both clinical and operational challenges, we’re not just improving individual outcomes—we’re transforming the entire approach to mental health care in Scotland,” says Andrew Conkie, CEO of Red Star. “Our platform enables clinicians to work more effectively, streamlines patient engagement, and ultimately, supports better mental health for all.”
A Future Vision for Comprehensive Mental Health Care
While ADHD is a core focus, the Red Star platform is built with versatility in mind. Its adaptable framework can be applied to various mental health conditions, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive neurodevelopmental pathway. The platform is already in use for medical monitoring of patients with eating disorders, demonstrating its potential across diverse mental health needs. As we continue to pilot and refine this solution, Red Star aims to extend its impact across Scotland and beyond, helping to address not only the needs of those with ADHD but the wider mental health community.
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