Service provider change – Children and young people’s autism assessment

NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board are currently undergoing a transition in our children and young people’s autism assessment service provider for the Scarborough, Ryedale, and Whitby areas. Our existing contract with The Retreat will conclude on 30 September 2023. Starting from 1 October 2023, after a thorough tender and procurement process with North East Commissioning Support (NECS), ABL (A Better Life) Health will assume the role of providing autism assessments in these regions.

During the transitional period, if a referral is submitted prior to 1 October 2023, it is essential to acknowledge that The Retreat will be responsible for screening and triaging the referral. They will determine whether an autism assessment is the most appropriate course of action. However, The Retreat cannot conduct the actual assessment due to current waiting times. ABL Health will work alongside The Retreat to manage the transfer of information securely and in accordance with relevant data protection regulations. ABL Health will perform the assessment while honouring any triage decisions made by The Retreat.

More information and details will follow; your support in making the new service provider welcome will be appreciated.

If you are interested in exploring partnership opportunities/referral pathways with ABL Health, please contact Adele Yellow, Head of Service and Lyn Shelton, consultant psychologist and Mental Health Professional Lead (Beu.northyorkshire@nhs.net). Questions on the procurement should be directed to Jacob Gilson (hnyicb-ny.nycypteam@nhs.net).