31.10.19
Personal health budgets to be given to 100,000 more patients
The government have announced a change in law that means 100,000 more people are to be given personal health budgets.
People who use wheelchairs or need mental health support will have more choice and control over their own health and care.
The amended law will come into force on Monday 2 December after legislation is laid in Parliament today (31 Oct)
From the 2nd of December, individuals who are eligible for an NHS wheelchair and those who require aftercare services under section 117 of the Mental Health Act will have their own personal health budget.
In order to give the individuals more of a say into their health and care support, a planned health budget, personalised to the patient, will be agreed between themselves and clinicians.
More than 70,000 patients already have access to personal health budgets, helping them stay healthier and more independent for longer.
This number will increase to up to 200,000 by 2024 as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. With other measures such a social prescribing expanding personal care to 2.5 million people by 2024.
The personal budget could be spent on specially adapted wheelchairs with a view to maximise independence, personal care assistants trained to meet individual needs or exercise classes designed to gain confidence and reduce stress whilst maintaining a healthy mind and body.
Secretary of state for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said:
“Everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their care, and health and care should be centred around each and every one of us, not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
“Our NHS Long Term Plan has personalised care at its core. This important piece of legislation puts the power back in the hands of more people, transforming the wellbeing and quality of life for thousands while also reducing distressing and avoidable hospital trips.”