Significant Milestone for Universal Care Plan

Since its launch, the Universal Care Plan (UCP) has successfully created over 100,000 care plans in London, as reported by Capital OneLondon. This NHS initiative aims to digitally share personalized care plans among healthcare and social care professionals throughout the city.

Program Overview

• Launched in July 2022, initially focused on advance and urgent care planning.
• Expanded to assist Londoners with various long-term conditions, including:
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Dementia
  • Frailty
  • Learning disabilities
  • Autism

Current Statistics

As of now, a total of 101,966 care plans have been created, with 84,621 Londoners actively having a care plan in the system.

Expert Insights

Nick Tigere, head of the UCL program, expressed his satisfaction, stating:

“It is great that in just three years over 100,000 care plans have been created on the UCP system helping to ensure Londoners receive the right care, at the right time, provided by the right team.”

He emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure that every Londoner in need has access to a UCP, enhancing patient benefits.

Functionality of Care Plans

A care plan is generated through discussions between patients and healthcare professionals. Once established, it becomes accessible to all health and care services utilizing the system, ensuring that:

• Patient preferences and wishes are prioritized.
• Care is tailored to meet individual needs.

Patient Access and Involvement

Patients can view their UCP via the NHS App or web browser, providing reassurance that their care preferences are accurately communicated. Efforts are underway to allow Londoners to contribute directly to their care plans.

Patient Perspective

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.”

Usage Statistics

Currently, more than 30,000 care plans are accessed by health and care staff each month, with approximately 15,000 of those being viewed by urgent and emergency care personnel.