These trials will answer some of the important questions raised by personal health budgets.

'Potentially they could increase care and treatment options available to people with dementia. They may also lead to better joint working between health and social care if multidisciplinary teams are involved in planning. The success of these trials will rely on people being supported to make the right choices with the right information, only then can people really be put in the driving seat.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Futher information

Patients are a step closer to getting more say over their healthcare services as plans for a national pilot project reach the next stage, the Department of Health announced today. Following a call for expressions of interest for sites across England to take part in the first trials of personal health budgets, 68 projects, involving a total of 75 PCTs, have been awarded provisional pilot status.

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia. The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

Source
Alzheimer's Society