A pilot health passport scheme will improve the hospital experience for thousands of people with neurological conditions including MS.

Earlier this month, York hospital made available personalised health passports to people with neurological conditions in the region. These contain details about the individual's conditions and notes about how they may be affected at different periods in an average day, or how their condition may change if a medication is missed, or they are fatigued. The passport will be carried by the individual and act like a medical bracelet.

The hospital hopes the passports will improve the hospital experience for thousands of people with neurological conditions. In addition, staff at the hospital will have a better understanding about the specific circumstances of these individuals, as when people are admitted to hospital they go to the most appropriate ward for their medical problem which does not always take immediate account of underlying conditions such as MS.

The York Local Involvement Network (LINk) has set up the scheme. This organisation provides support in the community to people who want to get involved in their local healthcare. The group recognised the variablity that can occur between individuals and within their medical conditions. A LINk steering group spokesperson stated:

"The health passport makes the care process a lot easier because all the information about their condition is there, including medication and typical patterns of behaviour. This means that people with neurological conditions can retain their independence and can have control over their own healthcare."

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