The pause for new referrals, which prompted an outcry from local families, was announced this month due to exceptionally high demand.

In an update this week, however, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) said it would continue to accept referrals for this service following ‘proactive conversations with the ICB'.

LSCFT said it will review the ICB's new commissioned framework at the end of February and ‘assess the impact this will have on the current unacceptably long waiting times for children and young people.'

A joint statement from Chris Oliver, chief executive, LSCFT and Aaron Cummins, chief executive, Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB (LSCICB), added: ‘To clarify, there has been no change to the commissioned mental health pathway for children and young people who have a mental health need and also require ADHD/ASD assessment and treatment.

‘We have been engaging with Parent Carer Forums across Lancashire and South Cumbria and through them, we know that families have been concerned about the situation. We are sorry for any distress that this may have caused. We hope this announcement will be reassuring, and we will continue to work closely with the Parent Carer Forums as important strategic partners.

‘The trust remains committed to working alongside the ICB with our clinical teams and looks forward to receiving a sustainable commissioned and funded framework to meet the needs of children and young people requiring ADHD/ASD assessments and treatment where there is no additional mental health need. 

‘The trust and the ICB have a shared ambition to positively transform services for children and young people who need assessment.'