LONDON, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A pilot scheme for Personal Budgets for people with long term conditions has been discussed in the media today (Sunday) after the Department of Health confirmed it was considering the plan.

Also known as Individual Budgets, the scheme could mean people with multiple sclerosis (MS) will be able to plan what health care they receive and when they receive it.

The Government is already trialling Personal Budgets in social care and this will extend the scheme into the NHS.

MS Society chief executive, Simon Gillespie, said: "This is an opportunity to provide people with MS with the effective care they need when they need it and in the most appropriate way.

"MS is a fluctuating condition and people's needs can change week to week. If they have control over their own care budget, they can choose the most effective support package. However, people need to make informed choices based on reliable information and guidance."

For media enquiries please contact the MS Society Press Office on +44(0)20-8438-0840, or the out of hours duty press officer on +44(0)7909-851401