From this week, people in Torbay who receive direct payments for their social care needs will have their funds directly loaded onto a new pre-payment card.
Having a pre-payment card will enable people who are in receipt of a health or care budget to have their funds directly loaded onto a card rather than having to set up a bank account and pay via cheque.
This will be welcome news to those who receive direct payments, as they will be able to choose from a wider range of service providers and access funds sooner. In addition, they will no longer need to submit bank statements or proof of purchase, reducing lengthy admin time for clients and the Trust.
Joanna Williams, Assistant Director of Adult Social Care at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to be able to introduce pre-payment cards for people who get a direct payment for their health and care needs.
“It makes the whole system so much simpler for the client and enables them to have much more freedom and control over how they support their care needs and use services.
“It is also good news for the Trust as this new system will help refine our business processes and reduce the risk of funds being used incorrectly or abused.”
The system will be phased in over a period of months and clients will be given any necessary support or advice during the transition period.
Direct payments give people who need health or social care support control over their budget. Having their own budget to use and spend as they see fit enables them to choose from a range of providers the services or products that would best support their care needs.
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