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Chamber and committees

Celebrating the NHS Lanarkshire TESS Service Receiving an Autism Accreditation Specialist Award

  • Submitted by: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour.
  • Date lodged: Monday, 27 October 2025
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-19425

That the Parliament commends the Tertiary Eating Disorder Specialist Service (TESS) NHS Lanarkshire on becoming the first NHS service in Scotland to be awarded the Autism Accreditation Specialist Award, after a very rigorous process by the National Autistic Society; understands that TESS's work was motivated by a growing awareness that an increasing number of referrals to it were for patients, both diagnosed and initially undiagnosed, with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, especially autism; believes that this recognition marks a significant milestone to deliver inclusive, high-quality care for people with autism and their families, and will improve service provision, patient experience and treatment outcomes for those affected by autism and/or an eating disorder; understands that Autism Accreditation is the UK’s leading programme for autism-specific quality assurance, and that this award confirms that TESS meets the highest standards of autism practice; applauds the tireless work of what it sees as this forward-thinking NHS team to adapt and enhance its approach to ensure that its service users feel safe, understood and supported every step of the way during their treatment; considers that this accreditation, and the work that lies behind it, will mean that people being treated for autism will feel more understood in their treatment and contacts with the service and that there will be improved engagement between them and their clinicians, which will ultimately provide the best possible conditions to improve clinical outcomes; hopes that this recognition is the first of many more autism-informed NHS services across Scotland, and congratulates TESS North Lanarkshire for its commitment and dedication to improve the treatment it provides to its clients and the example it has set to inspire other NHS services to follow its lead.


Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jackie Baillie, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Bob Doris, Sharon Dowey, Jackie Dunbar, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Mercedes Villalba, Annie Wells, Brian Whittle