Frequently asked questions | NHS Continuing Healthcare
Answers to some of the frequently asked questions about NHS Continuing Healthcare.
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Where can NHS CHC be delivered?
Anywhere other than in hospital – such as in the patient’s own home; a care home; or the home of a family member.
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Are children eligible for NHS CHC?
NHS CHC is for patients over 18 only. Children’s and young people’s continuing care is available but is based on different criteria than NHS CHC for adults and arranged in a different way. For example, the way in which the child receives their education has to be included.
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How is a patient assessed for NHS CHC eligibility?
The process usually begins with an assessment by a health or social care professional, helped by the use of a screening method called a Checklist Tool. This might be done, for example, by a nurse or social worker before a patient leaves hospital, or by a district nurse or social worker while carrying out a community care assessment. (Occasionally, an application will be passed to the next stage – full assessment – without the checklist stage being done. There is also a Fast Track route for rapid deterioration and end of life care).
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What happens if a patient is told they are eligible for NHS CHC funding?
The CCG will discuss with the patient how their needs will be met and their care managed, and by which organisation.
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What if the patient does not agree with the decision?
If the decision was made at the initial checklist stage not to proceed to a full assessment, the patient (or their representative) can contact the ICB to ask for the decision to be reconsidered.
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What is NHS-funded nursing care?
NHS-funded nursing care is only provided to patients in care homes registered to provide nursing care, and to patients who do not qualify for NHS CHC but do need care from a registered nurse.
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I have a local authority support package that works well. I’m now eligible for NHS CHC – will my support package change?
If you’re concerned about changes to your care package because of a move to NHS CHC, your ICB should talk to you about ways that it can give you as much choice and control as possible. This is known as a personal health budget, with one option being a “direct payment for healthcare”.
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Can I refuse an assessment for NHS CHC? If I refuse, will I be able to get services from my local authority?
An assessment for NHS CHC cannot be carried out without your consent, so it is possible to refuse. However, if you refuse, although you’ll still be entitled to an assessment by the local authority there is no guarantee that you will be provided with services. There is a legal limit on the type of services that a local authority can provide.
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My relative is in a care home and has become eligible for NHS CHC. The CCG says the fees charged by this care home are more than they would usually pay, and has proposed a move to a different care home. I think a move will have a negative effect on my relative. What can we do?
If there is evidence that a move is likely to have a detrimental effect on your relative’s health or wellbeing, discuss this with the ICB. It will take your concerns into account when considering the most appropriate arrangements.
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Is it possible to pay top-up fees for NHS CHC?
No, it is not possible to top up NHS CHC packages, like you can with local authority care packages.