To ensure the ICB is commissioning packages of care in accordance with its duties, as set out in the National Framework for Continuing Healthcare and NHS funded Nursing care (revised 2022) (the Framework) whilst also meeting its financial responsibilities, as set out with the national Health Service Act (2006). Meeting both these requirements is important to ensure all individuals are treated fairly when considering care provision.

No. The ICB must undertake a risk assessment before offering a package of care and this assessment will determine what care will safely meet your needs and makes best use of public funds. If, after this assessment process, a care home is deemed the most suitable place for your care, and is the only offer made, you have the right to decline the offer. This does not however mean the ICB has to offer an alternative because a safe and affordable offer has been made.

If care at home is offered through a package of care offered by the ICB, this will be provided by the commissioned provider within your area and therefore a choice of provider will not be offered. You do have the option to request a direct payment to source care yourself instead and if this is agreed you could find your own care provider. The care must still be delivered within an agreed budget.

If more than one care home provider accepts the referral and makes an offer to meet your care needs within the ICBs expected costs, then all these placements will be offered to you to choose from. If only one provider offers, the opportunity to choose would no longer apply.

It will depend if the care home is within the catchment area of your current GP. If it is then yes, if it is not you may be asked to change GP practices.

The Continuing Health Care (CHC) team will place you as close as possible to your preferred place, including near to family, however the specific location will depend on which care homes can meet your needs.

In urgent situations, where services may need to be commissioned very quickly, there may not be time to apply equity and choice policy because it is more important to prioritise the safety of the person needing care. If this occurs, the CHC team will take reasonable steps to work in partnership with you and your representative to ensure that the best possible care is provided.

Fast-Tracked individuals are deemed to be near end of life. NHS LICB will support the principle of you having the right to choose the setting for your end-of-life care, providing the care meets your needs and is equitable.

If your assessed needs remain the same and there is no requirement to increase the current package of care then the package of care will remain in place. However, if there has been a change and the package of care needs to increase, the ICB will ensure the proposed increase is cost effective and makes the best use of public funds.

If you or your representative wish to appeal a decision which affects you, you have a right to do so by contacting NHS Lincolnshire ICB, which must be within 14 days of being notified of the decision. All appeals will be considered at the CHC funding panel by the Associate Chief Nurse and the Deputy Chief Finance Officer.