Health Minister welcomes person centred planning approach

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has welcomed the launch of a DVD to raise awareness of Person Centre Planning (PCP).

PCP is an innovative approach which puts people at the heart of health and social care.

The service is a way of supporting children, people with disabilities and older people to make some choices and changes in their life, helping them plan their future and organise the support they need.

Produced by the Southern Health and Social Services Board, the DVD highlights how four service users in the Board have used the approach and the benefits they have derived.

Speaking today at the Southern Board headquarters in Armagh, the Minister said: “I am delighted to see at first hand how Person Centred Planning has made a real difference to people’s lives in the Southern Board area.

“It is clear that this innovative approach fosters choice, helping people and their families to take control of their future. It allows the patient – rather than the system – to ensure that the care and support they receive meets their individual needs.”

The Minister met with a number of service users and staff members during his visit, and had an opportunity to see how PCP is working in practice.

Notes to Editors:

Person Centred Planning (PCP):

is an innovative approach which puts people at the centre of the planning process. This approach has been used in the Southern Board area for a number of years.

PCP fosters choice, promotes determination and helps people and their families to take control of their future. The emphasis is on ensuring that the person is central and involved at every stage in the planning of their care.

The DVD shows how four service users in the SHSSB have used the approach and the benefits they have derived.

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