Overview of the Universal Care Plan (UCP)

Following the expansion of the Universal Care Plan (UCP) one year ago, many more Londoners are now receiving personalized and coordinated care. According to OneLondon, the initiative has successfully integrated care plans across the capital.

Key Statistics

• Over 96,000 individuals in London now have a care plan on the UCP system, up from approximately 82,000 last year.
• This includes:
  • More than 12,300 individuals with frailty
  • More than 11,800 individuals with dementia
  • Over 1,100 individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism
  • About 250 caregivers

Comments from UCP Leadership

Nick Tigere, head of the UCP Programme, expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the expansion, stating:

“It is great news that since the UCP expanded to new care pathways such as learning disability and frailty a year ago, we have taken another step in equipping our health and care professionals with the clinical tools they need to better support their patients. This is helping to ensure they receive the right care wherever they are in the capital.”

Future Developments

Efforts are ongoing to ensure that every Londoner who requires a UCP has access to one, thereby enhancing the benefits of coordinated care.

Recent Expansions of the UCP

Last year, the UCP broadened its scope beyond disease-specific planning to include:

1. Care planning for patients with dementia
2. Support for individuals with frailty
3. Care planning for those with learning disabilities and autism

This followed earlier expansions to assist patients with sickle cell disease in March 2024 and those with diabetes and chronic pain in November 2024.

Patient-Centric Care Plans

Care plans are developed through discussions between patients and their healthcare professionals. Once created, these plans are accessible to all health and care services utilizing the UCP system, ensuring that patient preferences are respected, especially in emergencies.

Increased Engagement

In 2025, there were approximately 453,000 views of care plans by health and care staff, marking a 30% increase from 2024. This includes 130,000 views by urgent care staff, a 62% increase from the previous year.

Patient Perspectives

Barbara Benedek, a member of the UCP’s people with lived experience group, shared her thoughts:

“As a patient, it is reassuring to me to know that, if I need medical care urgently, the paramedics, A&E staff and others who will look after me, will know about my medical conditions, my medication and my wishes about my care. That is what the UCP does for Londoners.”

Accessing Care Plans

Patients can view their care plans through the NHS App or a web browser, providing peace of mind that their information is accurately communicated to healthcare professionals. Plans are underway to allow Londoners to directly input their information into their care plans via the NHS App or web browser.