NHS continuing healthcare

Some people with long-term complex health needs may be able to receive free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is what is called NHS continuing healthcare.

NHS continuing healthcare is health and social care arranged by the NHS to meet the person’s needs.

NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of different places outside of hospital, including in a care home or in your own home.

NHS continuing healthcare is for a person aged over 18.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of health and social care professionals – known as a multidisciplinary team.

The team will look at your care needs and relate them to:

National framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care – GOV.UK

Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis, condition or prognosis. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change. You should be fully involved in the assessment process, kept informed and have your views about your needs and support taken into account. Carers and family members should also be consulted where appropriate.

There is an easy read version of the national framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care for people with learning disabilities, family carers and anyone who helps a person with learning disabilities.

A decision about eligibility following a full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare should usually be made within 28 days of an initial assessment or request for a full assessment. If you are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you can be referred to your local council who can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for support from them.

Please contact your GP, district nurse, social worker or other health care professional who can advise on the appropriateness of NHS continuing healthcare. If appropriate they will make an application on your behalf. Please note that members of the public cannot apply directly for NHS continuing healthcare.

SWAN Advocacy are available to provide support and guidance to individuals wishing to apply for NHS continuing healthcare or request a review of an eligibility decision.