Hi everyone,

NRAS has been invited to take part in a Arthritis Research UK and Department of Health sponsored seminar on how the future implementation of 'personal health budgets' may affect people with musculoskeletal conditions, such as RA. The concept of 'personal health budgets' is currently being piloted by the Department of Health in England and depending on the results may be rolled-out in 2014.

A personal health budget will be an amount of money to support a patient's healthcare and well-being needs, planned and agreed between you or your representative and your local NHS team. If you have a personal health budget, you will be able to use it for a range of things to help you meet your health goals, for example therapies, personal care and equipment. You will not be able to pay for emergency care and care you normally get from a family doctor. You are also not allowed to spend the money on anything non-health related.

We would like to hear about any views or concerns you have about this new initiative.

- As a patient what sort of information do you think you will need in order to manage a personal health budget effectively?

- How should clinicians relate to personal health budgets and patients that may have them?

- Are there any particular groups you think should be encouraged or discouraged from taking personal health budgets on? What are the impacts on patient safety?

The event is happening later next week, so please email any comments or suggestions to jamie@nras.org.uk so I can raise concerns on your behalf .

Regards,

Jamie Hewitt
Government Affairs Manager