Healthcare budget changes planned

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The new Health Bill will enable patients to receive direct payments to spend on health services of their choice.

Lord Darzi, who will unveil the plans, first trailed the idea last year in his report on the future of the NHS.

It is thought the payments would particularly benefit people with long-term conditions such as Parkinson's or Motor Neurone disease, or those who use mental health services.

The Bill will provide the legislative framework to allow pilot sites to be established across England this year to test the idea. The Department of Health said the pilots would "follow clear guidelines to safeguard the principles of the NHS".

Ministers are looking at extending the programme to other groups of NHS patients who might benefit from tailoring services to their needs. Similar arrangements already exist for people who access social care.

The Bill will also place a legal duty on the NHS and its providers to take note of the NHS Constitution, which sets out the "rights and responsibilities" of patients and staff.

Other contents include previously announced measures to protect children and young people from the harm caused by smoking and reforming pharmacy services so they work on the basis of local population needs.

The Bill, which will proceed through the House of Lords over the next two months, will also extend the adult social care complaints procedure.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said the Health Bill would strengthen the NHS.