All round top experience.
I first learned about Sort Health as they came to Stripes ADHD support group last year to ask questions to what was lacking within the NHS system regarding assessments, waiting lists, prescribing and titration. Having gone through a very poor assessment with the NHS and subsequent waiting times and further waiting lists for medication, I did a lot of research into private clinics. Many sounded good on paper but then reviews showed many issues with both rtc and private providers regarding waiting times for medication, titration periods, poor response or no replies to queries or many generally lacking transparency or continued good practice after diagnosis. There were no reviews for Sort as they were a new company so it was a gamble but I decided to go with them due to transparency of pricing, their correspondence with me prior to assessment, openly answering all my questions of which there were many, their longer titration period and their prompt response to all my queries without any pressure to book anything. They seemed passionate and driven to provide the best service they could. I opted for a face to face appointment with Becky as I’m not good with online and technology, being the grand old age of 63! Once I had made the decision I was impatient and wanted it to progress quickly having been waiting in the system for way too long. I was booked in pretty quickly, a matter of a couple of weeks. I was anxious about the journey, where to park etc as I am unfamiliar with Bradford and know I will have to pay an emission charge. Jess, who has sadly left, went above and beyond to reassure me, sending me bus/train timetables, various car parks and charges, even a photo of the building so I could recognise it and sent friendly reminders leading up to my appointment, with a result I arrived in good time and reasonably calm.
From the moment I arrived I felt relaxed and comfortable. My assessment was approx 3 and a half hours long and instead of just regimented tick boxes and a very structured assessment I was allowed to just talk. Full word vomit to go off on a tangent, lose track, basically free to present a true picture of my condition and how it affects me. I felt I was truly listened to and allowed to give my personal story not just to fit criteria and tick boxes to score points. Everyone presents differently and they have to see an individual at their true self to make a correct diagnosis and type whilst still following NHS guidelines and all valid criteria to fulfil that. (NICE and DIVA 5) I was asked questions too to get a whole picture. I got diagnosed at the end and got my detailed report very quickly within about a week and they also sent a copy to my gp. I got a prescription for medication within 3 weeks via post so I have choice to shop around for cheapest price which can differ by up to £91 for the exact same prescription! Again I was impatient having read about people titrating quickly and I wanted quick results. Becky explained it was going to be slow and steady to let my body adapt and to minimise side effects and to trust her so started on the lowest dose. I wasn’t convinced and was jittery. She was 100% right. I now trust her implicitly. I have had a full month on each dose since May, zero side effects, subtle benefits to start with but slow and steady, the result overall has been very impressive. We have monthly telephone appointments and weekly questionnaires to fill in with our progress and stats to maintain safe use and any side effects or queries we may have. Many titrating quickly get side effects but for me slow and steady is working well. If I have had a wobble or struggled getting meds they have contacted me very promptly and reassured me or found a solution. I hated having to pay but on reflection it is the best thing I did and has been worth every penny. My daughter reframed it for me. I don’t spend money on cosmetic stuff, alcohol, smoking, hair or luxuries so it is my investment in me to stabilise and maintain my mental health after decades of wasted years not knowing why I have struggled all my life. I have had personal, professional, consistent service. I have since dealt with or met most if not all of the team now and I can honestly say they are all brilliant. They know me now and actually care about my health and well being. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them, as my life has changed considerably since that first contact with Sort Health last December, which helped me make an informed decision to choose them over any other provider. I have no negative feedback at all.