Independent Nurse: Opinion - Will White Paper help improve care?(Long-Term Medical Conditions Alliance )

Key issues will need addressing if those with long-term conditions are to benefit from DoH plan, says David Pink.

Before the last general election, the Long-Term Medical Conditions Alliance (LMCA), in partnership with other key organisations launched 17 million reasons - a manifesto to improve the lives of people with long-term conditions.

We called for three things: fast access to expert diagnosis and assessment, comprehensive health information and support; and individual care plans, including access to self-management programmes for people who request them.

The recent White Paper Our health, our care, our say shows that the government has heard our message. The paper has a chapter about supporting people with long-term needs, and also includes specific proposals for information and support and for …