Personal Health Budgets for children and young people with complex needs

Using a personal health budget often improves the quality of a person’s life and sense of wellbeing. But despite their prominence in government policy and their potential in relation to Transforming care, progress has been slow, and particularly amongst children and young people with complex needs. A report and top tips have been launched today that explores why; along with some suggestions for what could be done differently.

The Personal Health Budgets for Children and Young People with Complex Needs report offers a snapshot of what has been tried and learned by Plymouth, Hampshire and Derbyshire councils and their Clinical Commissioning Groups in relation to take up of PHB within this group.

In addition to the report, we are publishing a set of Top Tips (opens new window) which outline the essential ‘building blocks’ for successful implementation such as securing the active participation of professional staff and involving families from the outset.

The products were commissioned by Think Local Act Personal, funded by NHS England and prepared by National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)  

Sue Turner, Learning Disability Lead, NDTi, said:

“I am delighted that we can support Learning Disability Week with the publication of this important report and set of top tips. The introduction of good Personal Health Budgets requires the whole system to work together, along with a commitment to put families and the child/young person at the centre of the process. Investing in, and listening to families, and ensuring they have the right information is crucial for success.”

Glenys Newman, Personal Health Budget Advisor at Independent Lives a Charity in West Sussex, said:

“Having a Personal Health Budget can transform people’s lives! However many people can be very daunted at first and worry they will be taking on too much; but with the right support, guidance and conversations built around their needs the experience can be very positive.”