FOI2026/1848

I am writing to ask for information regarding the names of which clinical services are available to access via Right to Choose. I am specifically looking for a provider that offers a face to face autism assessment in the Manchester area. 

I believe the service will need to tick the following boxes to ensure that Manchester care board do not reject our request:

• one-hour travel limit.
• prescribing available.
• post-diagnostic pathway.
• access to the local guidance or safeguarding assurance frameworks.
• links to local health, social care or voluntary sectors.
• Any other requirements within the commissioning policy for right to choose for Manchester Integrated Care Board.

NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB) does not publish or maintain a public list of providers available under the NHS Right to Choose framework.

The identification of an appropriate Right to Choose provider is a clinical decision made by the referring clinician, usually the patient’s GP or other primary care professional, taking into account the patient’s individual clinical needs and the provider’s ability to meet those needs. The Right to Choose process is therefore undertaken jointly between the patient and their GP.

As the ICB does not hold or publish a definitive public list of providers, we are unable to provide the names of providers offering face-to-face autism assessments in the Manchester area or confirm which providers meet the specific criteria you have listed (including travel limits, prescribing arrangements, post-diagnostic pathways, safeguarding arrangements, or links to local services).

If you wish to pursue a Right to Choose referral, you should discuss this with your GP. They will be able to:

• assess whether a Right to Choose referral is clinically appropriate;
• identify providers that are suitable for your daughter’s clinical needs;
• discuss the available options with you at the point of referral; and
• ensure that any proposed provider meets the relevant commissioning and contractual requirements applicable at the time of referral.

Any questions regarding which provider may be appropriate in individual circumstances should therefore be directed to your GP practice.