NHS Continuing Healthcare
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Deadlines for assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding for cases during the period 1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012 On 15 March 2012, the Department of Health announced the introduction of deadlines for new cases which require assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) funding. NHS CHC is care provided over an extended period of time to meet physical or mental health needs that have arisen as a result of disability, accident or illness. NHS CHC funding is only provided where an individual has a primary health need and requires long term healthcare, as opposed to social or residential care. The deadlines apply to previously un-assessed periods of care, which occurred in the following time periods:
The deadline for the time period from 1 April 2004 – 31 March 2011 was 30 September 2012 and is now closed. If you think that this affects you or a family member, then please contact the Continuing Healthcare Team at 01635 273579 or email bw-pct.chcdutynursewest@nhs.net for Berkshire West or 01753 638781or email sheena.bunce@nhs.net for Berkshire East for further information on how to notify NHS Berkshire of a request for assessment of eligibility. This notification should be given within the deadlines above. Some cases may be accepted after the dates outlined above if there are exceptional circumstances for doing so. |
What is NHS continuing healthcare?
'NHS continuing healthcare’ is a package of continuing care provided over an extended period of time, to a person aged 18 or over, to meet significant and complex physical or mental health needs that have arisen as a result of disability, accident or illness.
NHS continuing healthcare is arranged, provided and funded solely by the NHS. It is free for those who are eligible, unlike help from social services for which a charge may be incurred depending on income and savings.
Care arranged as part of NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of different settings including; care homes, hospices or an individual’s home.
For more information on continuing care, please visit the NHS Choices website.
Who is eligible for NHS continuing healthcare funding?
Eligibility is determined by a detailed assessment which looks at all of aspects of care needs:
- nature - the type of condition or treatment required
- complexity - symptoms that interact; therefore difficult to manage or control
- intensity - one or more health needs, so severe they require regular intervention
- unpredictability - unexpected changes in condition that are difficult to manage and present a risk to you or to others.
Individuals, relatives, carers and representatives can contact the NHS Berkshire Continuing Healthcare Team on 01635 273579 for Berkshire West and 01753 638781 for Berkshire East for further information on how to request an assessment of eligibility.
The Department of Health, NHS Continuing Healthcare Deadline FAQs
(Cut-Off Dates for Assessment of Eligibility for Cases During the Period 2004 – 2012)
The Department of Health, NHS Continuing Healthcare - Timescales FAQS
Introduction of Timescales for Reviews of NHS CHC Eligibility Decisions from 1st April 2012
- More information about continuing care is available on the NHS Choices website
