Patients to be budget-holders?

1st, April 2008

Health Minister Alan Johnson has said that patients with long-term conditions could have ‘individual budgets’ provided for them.

As part of Lord Darzi’s review, the Department of Health is considering the idea of individual budgets for people with conditions such as motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis (MS). Early indicators suggest that the scheme will not involve vouchers or distributing cash, and the money will not go outside the NHS.

If the Department of Health decides that individual budgets are a good idea, they will tally with the choice agenda and give patients more control over their treatment. Officials will consult stakeholders before implementing anything.

The plans, disclosed by Health Secretary Alan Johnson to the Sunday Telegraph, are similar to a social care scheme giving older people individual budgets.

The Department of Health released a statement from Alan Johnson saying:

“Choice is a means to an end, the end being better quality and more
personalisation of health care. Choice, combined with payment by results,
is an important driver of quality.”

The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Chief Executive, Simon Gillespie, said: “This is an opportunity to provide people with MS with the effective care they need when they need it and in the most appropriate way.

“MS is a fluctuating condition and people's needs can change week to week. If they have control over their own care budget, they can choose the most effective support package. However, people need to make informed choices based on reliable information and guidance.”

Patients to be budget-holders?

Health Minister Alan Johnson has said that patients with long-term conditions could have ‘individual budgets’ provided for them.

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