Personal Healthcare Budgets

A personal health budget is an amount of money to support your health and wellbeing needs, which is planned and agreed between you (or someone who represents you), and your local NHS team.

Individuals diagnosed with scleroderma often require continuing NHS healthcare. As of October 2014 you have a 'right to ask' for access to a personal health budget – this is money for healthcare and support needs that have been identified and agreed by you and your healthcare professionals. The amount of money available varies from person to person and depends on your needs.

This works alongside your care plan – an agreement between you and your health professional to help you manage your health on a day-to-day basis.

You can use a personal health budget to pay for a range of items and services, including therapies, personal care and equipment. This will allow you more choice and control over the health services and care you receive.

Speak to your GP or healthcare provider to request a personal health budget.

If your request is turned down, you should be told why. If you wish to appeal, your local NHS should explain what to do.

Find out more about personal health budgets on the NHS website and the Peoplehub website.