Discussion on NHS patient care pay-outs

A CONFERENCE to discuss the implications of handing NHS patients funding to pay for their own healthcare has taken place in the Capital.

Healthcare professionals from across Scotland attended the event yesterday, which marked the third anniversary of the start of a pilot in Lothian to explore the implications of self-directed support for health boards and their patients.

The event was attended by the Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, as a bill on self-directed support was debated in parliament.

Mr Matheson said: “People have made it clear that they want greater choice and control over the services they receive.

The draft Bill, together with our strategy on self-directed support, will help to underpin a significant change in social care provision, supporting more flexible, creative support and putting the citizen in charge.”

Professor Alex McMahon, director of strategic planning and primary care at NHS Lothian, said: “The NHS Lothian pilot has given people living with long-term conditions and the staff who support them the opportunity to work together.”