50,000 people have taken charge of their own care

More than 50,000 people have taken charge of their own care after being handed control of how their NHS funding is spent.

New figures published today by NHS England and Improvement show 54,143 people with long-term health problems, including disabled people and those with long-term physical and mental health conditions, are currently benefiting from Personal Health Budgets.

The rollout of the Budgets across the country is being ramped up further as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. They can be used to purchase personalised wheelchairs, assistance dogs and respite care to manage complex health problems, as well as tech devices that can control curtains, lighting, heating and door intercoms to help people live independent lives.

NHS England and Improvement believe that at least 200,000 people will be given the chance to improve their health and well-being by using a Personal Health Budgets within the next five years.

A Personal Health Budget is not new money, so does not cost the NHS more money. There is a growing evidence base that people achieve better outcomes with a PHB, they are spent almost exclusively on essential care and they save the NHS money over time.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England and Improvement, said: “These are practical but radical reforms enabling NHS patients to take direct control of their own care. While not right for everyone, for some people with long term health problems, the NHS is now offering them the opportunity to completely reshape the personal and health support they get. With over 50,000 people now choosing this route, this initiative has proven its practical benefits for patients and their families, and so will now be expanded further.”

James Sanderson, director of Personalised Care Group, NHS England added: “A one-size-fits-all health and care system simply cannot meet the increasing complexity of people’s needs and expectations. Instead of having their health care ‘done to’ them, people with personal health budgets are an equal and active partner in their own health care and able to make their own decisions.

“More than 54,000 people now have more choice and control over their lives, which we know leads to better outcomes. This fantastic figure shows what can be achieved with strong local partnerships between CCGs, local authorities, providers and the voluntary and community sector.”

Read our article on Personal Health Budgets here.