Finding out more about Continuing Health Care

Who can get NHS Continuing Health Care? 

This care is for adults who need ongoing care and support because of complicated, intense or unpredictable health care needs.  You might also hear this called a 'primary health need'.  

People must live in their own home or a care home - but not a hospital. 

There's a health assessment to decide if you are eligible. And if you are, the NHS pays your social care costs. 

Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group - who plan and pay for most local health services - have the legal responsibility to assess local people for CHC. And if they are eligible, to fund this. 

But the assessment process is very complicated. And the eligibility criteria can be hard to understand. 

So NHS England - who lead the national health service - have developed this video to help you know what to expect. 

About the assessment

The assessment is undertaken by a team of healthcare professionals. It will look at:

• what help you need
• how complex your needs are
• how intense your needs can be
• how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care isn't provided at the right time

The results of your assessment depend on your health needs and not on any diagnoses. 

You should be involved in the process. Be kept informed and have your views taken into account. 

Decision

A decision about the assessment should be made within 28 days. 

If the CCG decide you are not entitled to NHS funded CHC - you can be referred to your local council to see if you can get help from them.

Right to appeal

If you don't agree with the decision the CCG has made about your CHC funding application - you do have the right to appeal.

The CCG have an established appeals process. And should help you follow this.