MS Society Responds to Personal Budgets Pilot Scheme

LONDON, March 30/PRNewswire/ -- A pilot scheme for Personal Budgets for people with long term conditions
has been discussed in the media today (Sunday) after the Department of Health
confirmed it was considering the plan.

Also known as Individual Budgets, the scheme could mean people with
multiple sclerosis (MS) will be able to plan what health care they receive
and when they receive it.

The Government is already trialling Personal Budgets in social care and
this will extend the scheme into the NHS.

MS Society 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."

Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society

For media enquiries please contact the MS Society Press Office on +44(0)20-8438-0840, or the out of hours duty press officer on +44(0)7909-851401

2008-03-30 09:58:51 0322581 PRNEWSWIRE