NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is a package of care for adults aged 18 or over which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS. In order to receive NHS CHC funding individuals have to be assessed by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) according to a legally prescribed decision-making process to determine whether the individual has a ‘primary health need’.

Eligibility is determined by and defined in the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care.

Once eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your care will be funded by the NHS but this is subject to review, and should your care needs change the funding arrangements may also change.

• NHS Continuing Healthcare leaflet
• NHS Continuing Healthcare (easy read) leaflet

NHS Continuing Healthcare Explainer Video

Assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare

A health and social care professional (this might be a social worker, district nurse, or healthcare professional from another specialist health service) can refer you to the Continuing Healthcare Team; please discuss this referral with them.

If you are not in contact with any health and care professionals, but believe you may be eligible for funding, you can also contact your local Continuing Healthcare team and request a Continuing Healthcare ‘Checklist’ to be carried out. This checklist is a screening tool used to identify if an individual needs to be referred for full assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding.

Fast-track assessment for NHS continuing healthcare

If your health is deteriorating rapidly you’re nearing the end of your life, you may be considered for the NHS continuing healthcare fast-track pathway, so that an appropriate care and support package can be put in place as soon as possible. Please download our informational leaflet.

Personal Health Budgets

If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs. Depending on your situation, different options could be suitable, including support in your own home and the option of a personal health budget. 

• More information about Personal Health budgets is available here.
• Personal Health Budgets (easy read) leaflet

Independent Advice

Beacon, an organisation funded by NHS England, gives free independent advice on NHS Continuing Healthcare. Phone 0345 548 0300 or go online at www.beaconchc.co.uk.  You can also By post Beacon, 10 Napier Court, Barton Lane, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3YT.

Contacting the ICB Continuing Health Care Team(s):

Your NHS Continuing Health Team contact information depends on the location of your GP.  Office opening times are Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00 (Please note that unless encrypted, emails are not secure and are sent at your own risk when enclosing personal or sensitive information).

Further information

• Read more about continuing healthcare on the NHS UK website.
• Read more about continuing healthcare on the NHS England website
• Read more about the National framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care – GOV.UK