The British Acupuncture Council welcomes the announcement by the Health Secretary on 4th October that personal budgets will be rolled out to people who need long term healthcare.  This means that patients with such complex needs can choose their preferred care, based on a care plan tailored to their individual needs.  The British Acupuncture Council welcomes this opportunity for patient empowerment.
 
The British Acupuncture believes acupuncture has an important role to play in meeting the needs of people with long term health conditions and complex needs.  The British Acupuncture Council can provide information to patients and carers to assist with their research as to how acupuncture can play its part in meeting their care plan. As Craig Minto, a British Acupuncture Council member states, 'I am involved in a personal care budget pilot in Medway and find that personal budgets can assist in making sure people have access to the best possible acupuncture support'.