New statutory arrangements for Healthy Start vitamins
From 1 April 2013 responsibility moves tothe NHS Commissioning Board, Clinical Commissioning Groups and/or local authorities
Applies to England
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From 1 April next year, the NHS Commissioning Board, Clinical Commissioning Groups and/or local authorities will be responsible for providing or arranging the provision of Healthy Start vitamins to women and families who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme in their area.
In addition to vouchers towards the cost of milk, fruit and vegetables; the Healthy Start scheme also provides vitamin supplements to low income and disadvantaged families across the UK through coupons that can be exchanged locally.
Currently Primary Care Trusts are responsible for making these vitamins available to those who qualify in their areas.
The change is a result of the introduction of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, which requires regulations to be amended to ensure new commissioning bodies have responsibility for provision of vitamins locally.
The NHS Commissioning Board is responsible for commissioning child health clinics until 2015, Clinical Commissioning Groups are responsible for commissioning maternity services and local authorities for commissioning or providing child health clinics.
Further information for health professionals and commissioners will be available in the New Year.
Find out more about Healthy Start vitamins
Find local distribution points for Healthy Start vitamins in England