West Sussex hospitals in health budget trial
A PILOT scheme for hospital patients in West Sussex has been backed by the government.
NHS West Sussex is one of the few hospital trusts in the country to trial personal health budgets.
The scheme offers patients with a variety of conditions the chance to have more control over how money is spent on their healthcare.
The government is providing 4million to support such schemes nationally for the next two years.
"We firmly believe the extra freedom people can get from personal health budgets can have a real impact on their health and happiness," said Chris Moon-Willems, who is running the trial.
"Personal health budgets are all about putting people at the heart of healthcare, allowing patients to have a real influence in deciding what is best for them."
A budget is agreed upon by a patient and a healthcare professional, which can then be used to fund treatment of their choice like aromatherapy or exercise classes.
The minister for care services, Paul Burstow MP, said: "I am fully committed to piloting personal health budgets.
"We want to give people more choice and influence over their healthcare – giving them direct control of the cash is a powerful way of achieving this."
The trust is looking for more people to help shape the scheme. Anyone interested in contributing to the trial should call 01903 708045.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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