What is NHS continuing healthcare?
NHS continuing healthcare (NHS CHC) is a package of care that is arranged and funded by the NHS, for those people who need long-term care because of a disability, accident or illness. NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of settings outside hospital, such as in your own home or in a care home.
There is a national process for deciding who is eligible for NHS CHC and should receive support.
Anyone eligible for NHS CHC will be able to receive the money they need as a personal health budget in the form of a direct payment. This will give people greater choice and control over their care and support.
How NHS CHC works
Who is eligible?
These services are for people who have what is known as a 'primary health need, including people with:
It also includes those at the end of their life and older adults with complex physical and psychological needs.
To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. The team will look at all your care needs ato determine:
- how complex they are
- how intense they can be
- how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care is not provided at the right time
- what help you need.
Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.
How can I access these services?
If you feel that you, a family member or someone you care for may be eligible for NHS CHC, please contact your Tower Hamlets Connect, social worker, community nurse, GP or Continuing Healthcare Team about an assessment.
Contact details for CHC teams in the North East London area can be found at: NHS Continuing Health Care (CHC) - NHS North East London CCG.
If you are not eligible for CHC but are placed in a care home with nursing , you may be entitled to NHS-funded nursing care.
Find out more
More information about NHS CHC is available on the NHS website.
All of the guiding legislation and assessment tools for NHS CHC can be found on the gov.uk website.
Free independent advice can be obtained from Beacon on behalf of NHS England.