DH News: More power to the patient

Eight Primary Care Trusts will begin to road test direct payments for personal health budgets. This will allow Primary Care Trusts to give the money for someone’s care directly to them, allowing individuals to decide how, where and from whom they receive their healthcare, in partnership with the local NHS.

Previously, personal health budgets could only be held by a Primary Care Trust or third party.

The cost of providing direct payments will come from existing funding within PCTs. Direct payments can be paid to patients in a number of ways, including monthly direct payments or a lump sum for a one off purchase such as a piece of equipment.

The scheme is designed to help individuals with a range of health conditions including people with diabetes, stroke, heart disease, end of life care and mental health conditions.

People can use their personal budgets in a number of ways. For example, one patient who suffers from chronic pain following removal of a spinal tumour uses her personal health budget for long term, extensive massage and hydrotherapy sessions to relieve chronic pain without the side effects of painkilling drugs, drowsiness and disorientation.

Read the full press release, click here