The national framework which sets out the principles and processes for determining eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare has been revised to reflect the new NHS framework and structures, effective from 1 April 2013.

Download National framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS funded nursing care

A range of clinical support tools associated tools have also been revised to assist clinicians and practitioners with the decision making process.

• NHS continuing healthcare checklist
  To be used to assist the screening process, the first step in the process for most people.
• Decision support tool
  To be completed following a multi-disciplinary assessment.
• Fast track pathway tool
  To be used in circumstances where an individual has a rapidly deteriorating condition that may be entering a terminal phase.

Background

NHS continuing healthcare is an ongoing package of health and social care that is arranged and funded solely by the NHS where an individual is found to have a ‘primary health need’.  Such care is provided to an individual aged 18 or over, to meet needs that have arisen as a result of disability, accident or illness.