Continuing care funding in the spotlight

NHS chiefs who plan and pay for health services in Hinckley and Bosworth are looking for views on how and when people should receive funding for care.

The three local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) – East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG, Leicester City CCG and West Leicestershire CCG – are reviewing the current ‘settings of care’ policy for older people, those with chronic conditions or people with ongoing needs due to disability.

This determines how and when CCGs will support individual choice of care setting whether that be care at home, in a care home or elsewhere.

In place since 2011 the existing policy predates recent developments such as Personal Health Budgets (PHBs) which provide money to individuals with health and well-being needs to support care.

The care is planned and agreed between individuals, families and their local NHS team.

There are more than 1,300 people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who receive NHS continuing healthcare funding.

In 2015/16 more than £73.5 million was spent.

CCG spokesman Dr Hilary Fox, said: “It’s important everyone who is eligible for NHS continuing healthcare benefits from the highest quality of care and has equal access to funding both now and in the future.

“With the introduction of PHBs and the challenges posed by increasing numbers of people needing NHS continuing healthcare funding, we need to look carefully at the local policy to ensure it balances personal choice with available funding and equitable care for all.”

In addition to writing to all patients this could affect, CCGs are holding information events.

Anyone with concerns or queries in the meantime can email enquiries@eastleicestershireandrutlandccg.nhs.uk or call 0116 295 3405.