NHS trials patient payments
pharmafile | June 29, 2010 | News story | | NHS, PCT, patient
For the first time patients are to be paid directly by the NHS to allow them to choose how their own treatment should be delivered.
In pilots running until 2012, money will be given to help with diabetes, stroke, heart disease, end of life care and mental health conditions.
Labour began trialling personal health budgets last year, in schemes involving 70 Primary Care Trusts, where the money could only be held by a PCT or third party.
The big difference under the coalition government is that a dozen PCTs will road test giving the cash straight to patients in monthly payments or as a lump sum.
In philosophical terms, the government is painting this as a step away from the rigidity of PCTs deciding for patients what services they will receive.
“It is an important step towards putting patients at the heart of everything the NHS does,” care services minister Paul Burstow said.
“Direct payments have real potential to improve the lives of individuals with long-term health needs by putting treatment choices in their hands.”
In theory it means patients will know how much they can spend on their care before discussing and deciding what services they want with the PCT.
The care plan should be reviewed at least once a year, with the money – which comes from existing PCT funding – meeting the full costs.
“Direct payments will not work for everyone or for all patient groups or services,” Burstow admitted. “But we want to identify whether, for whom and how they could offer an opportunity to help achieve the best health and wellbeing outcomes.”
The government points to evidence from the social care sector that giving people more choice and control over the care they receive leads to better results.
More PCTs will be authorised to offer direct payments over the coming year but those with the green light at present are:
• Doncaster PCT: Continuing healthcare and mental health
• Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT: Continuing healthcare, end-of-life care, maternity, and mental health
• Central London (joint bid from Hammersmith and Fulham PCT, Kensington and Chelsea PCT and Westminster PCT): Continuing healthcare, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, diabetes, and mental health
• Islington PCT: Continuing healthcare (in limited circumstances, with expansion subject to further approval)
• Merseyside (Joint bid from Knowsley PCT, Liverpool PCT and Sefton PCT): Mental health
• Oxford PCT: Continuing healthcare and end–of-life care
• Somerset PCT: Children in transition to adult services, learning disabilities, long-term neurological conditions
• West Sussex PCT: Carers of people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia, children in transition to adult services, continuing healthcare
Adam Hill
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