For patients who have had a full assessment and are considered by health and social care professionals to be eligible for funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare packages are free at the point of delivery. The CCG pay on behalf of the NHS, directly for the care you need.
NHS Continuing Healthcare pays for care:
You must be aged over 18 and have substantial and ongoing care needs. You must have been assessed as having a "primary health need", which means that your main need for care is because of a health needs as opposed to social care needs. Washing, dressing, feeding and keeping people safe are good examples of social care needs.
Eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare does not depend on:
If you think you or your loved one might be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, speak to your social worker, GP or other health or social care professional. You can also call the NHS Continuing Healthcare team on 01473 770198.
The first step is to have a screening tool completed with a health or social care professional (a checklist). Health and social care staff use the checklist to help judge whether a full assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare should happen.
The second step is a full assessment of eligibility. This involves a multi-disciplinary team applying the “Decision Support Tool.” The tool will be completed by health and social care professionals. This looks at twelve different types of need, for example, mobility, nutrition, and behaviour. The tool helps decide on the nature, complexity, intensity and unpredictability of your needs. The health and social care professionals will use this information to make a recommendation to the CCG as to whether you are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. If you are not, you will be advised how to appeal against the decision.
Your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare will be reviewed regularly. If your care needs change, the funding arrangements may also change. The review will consider whether your existing care and support package meets your assessed needs. If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you remain eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
If you have any comments on the information provided to you on this page please email: wsccg.suffolkchc@nhs.net
National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and Funded Nursing Care 2018 (Revised):
Easy Read National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and Funded Nursing Care
Patient Information Leaflet
CHC documentation
To access further resources:
National framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS funded nursing care