Discharge and transfer

There are many reasons why your time with Caledonian Psychiatry might come to a natural end, in some ways we would hope for it (as counterintuitively that means we’ve done our job!). Whether you’ve reached your treatment goals or finally transitioned your care over to the NHS, we will wish you well and aim to make such a departure as smooth and simple as possible.

When you have reached your goals

If your care was assessment-only (for example, a diagnostic assessment for ADHD or autism), your episode of care may conclude once the assessment report has been finalised and shared with you and your GP. Many patients find the validation or understanding of their struggles enough to not need to proceed with medication or further reviews. You are always welcome to return in the future if you would like support with another condition or would simply like to discuss your care further.

For patients on ADHD medication, reaching a stable dose is an important milestone, but this does not end your care. If your GP agrees to prescribe under a shared care arrangement, your day-to-day prescriptions will come from your GP, but regular specialist reviews (typically every six months) are a necessary part of safe prescribing and a condition of the shared care arrangement. These reviews make sure your medication is still working well and that any monitoring is up to date.

Your care with Caledonian Psychiatry continues for as long as you are receiving ADHD medication under shared care. If you and your clinician agree that medication is no longer needed, or if your care is transferred to another specialist, your episode of care will come to a close. At that point, we will write to your GP with a full summary, including your current medication, dose, and any monitoring that should continue. You will receive a copy of this letter.

Moving area or going abroad

If you are relocating within the UK, we can write to your new GP and, where appropriate, provide a referral or recommendation to local services. If you are moving abroad, we will provide a comprehensive summary of your care to take with you.

For patients on controlled medication such as stimulants for ADHD, we will make sure there is a clear plan for continuing your prescription so that there is no gap in treatment during your move.

Choosing a different service

If you feel that another service would be a better fit (whether that is an NHS team, another private psychiatrist, or a different type of support altogether), that is absolutely fine. There is no notice period, no fee, and no need to explain. Just let us know and we will write to your new clinician or your GP to make sure the handover is seamless. Again, we really want what is best for our patients, even if that isn’t us!

What matters most is that you are getting the right care, wherever that comes from.

What happens when you move on

However your care ends, the process is the same:

• Your GP is informed: We write to your GP with a summary of your diagnosis, treatment, and any ongoing monitoring needs.
• Your medication is covered: If you are on prescribed medication, we will make sure there is enough time for your GP or new clinician to take over prescribing. Where necessary, a bridging prescription of up to 28 days may be issued to avoid any gap.
• You receive written confirmation: You will be sent a letter confirming that your care with Caledonian Psychiatry has ended, along with details of what to do if you need help in the future.
• Crisis support is always available: If you need urgent help at any time, contact your GP, NHS 24 (111), the Samaritans (116 123), or call 999 in an emergency.

Coming back

If your circumstances change and you would like to return to Caledonian Psychiatry, you are welcome to get in touch. We will look at whether the service is the right fit for your current needs and, if so, arrange an appointment. There is no need for a new GP referral: you can self-refer directly.