Understanding NHS continuing healthcare
NHS continuing healthcare is NHS funded care given to adults living in the community who have medical needs. In contrast to social care, NHS continuing healthcare is not means tested and is funded by the National Health Service directly. When awarded, it can cover the entirety of a person’s care fees over an extended period of time. However, finding out whether you or a loved one is eligible, understanding the process and your rights can be confusing. There is a national framework that sets out the process and criteria for whether someone is eligible for this NHS continuing healthcare. The framework covers how the assessment should be conducted and the areas of care that need to be covered, including what drug therapies and medication a person relies on, their mobility and their cognitive needs. Your local NHS Commissioning Group (CCG) then makes a decision on whether, or not, you are eligible to receive free continuing healthcare. If you wish to appeal a decision you can pursue a local review, which is managed by the CCG. If your first appeal is not successful, you can apply to NHS England to refer the matter to an Independent Review Panel. Knowing your rights, having the confidence to request a review when appropriate and dealing with an appeal can be complicated and time-consuming. This has been illustrated starkly in Wales with the Ombudsman ruling that the NHS must now pay compensation payments to families who have been waiting too long to have their cases heard. At Stone King we can help you, or a family member, prepare for an assessment, prepare for any hearings and advocate on your behalf. To talk through how we can support you please call 01225 337559, email info@ stoneking.co.uk or visit stoneking.co.uk