NHSE welcomes work of PANS PANDAS Steering Group 

Since early 2020, PANS PANDAS UK has been working closely with NHS England, engaging regularly with clinical directors for Children and Young People, Children and Young People’s Mental Health, and Children’s Neurosciences. Together, PANS PANDAS UK, the PPSG and NHSE have focused on identifying the most effective route to improving awareness, understanding, and healthcare for those affected by these conditions.

In late December 2025, NHS England national clinical directors for Children and Young People and Children and Young People’s Mental Health issued an update welcoming the work of the PANS PANDAS Steering Group (PPSG).

“Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) are recognised as clinical syndromes.

However, the lack of disease-specific biomarkers and definitive pathophysiological mechanisms have contributed to challenges in delivering an evidence based and consistent approach to assessment and treatment for children and young people affected.

 We welcome the collaborative work that the PANS PANDAS Steering Group is undertaking with professional bodies and those with lived experience to increase the evidence base in this area.” 

– Professor Prathiba Chitsabesan (FRCPsych), National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health (NHS England) and Professor Simon Kenny, National Clinical Director – Children and Young People (NHS England).

In the coming weeks this statement, accompanied by an update on the strategic initiatives the PPSG, will be shared with all relevant medical bodies and Royal Colleges, requesting that they circulate it through their networks and bulletins.