NHS Continuing Healthcare Frequently Asked Questions

Q:
Where can I get information from?

A:
You can get information by reading the NHS CHC leaflet in the "Download" Section; speak to the health or care professional looking after you or your relative; look at the NHS Bury CHC process page; visit the websites listed under "useful Contacts"; or contact the Contact Bury CHC Team on 0161 762 3119/3198.

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Q:
I think my relative may be entitled to NHS CHC funding. How can I get them assessed?

A:
Read the NHS CHC leaflet in the "Documents" section. If you still think your relative is entitled to CHC funding you can request an assessment by phoning or writing to the Bury CHC Team or asking the health/social care professional or GP looking after your relative to carry out an assessment. If your relative is in a residential home you can ask the manager to contact the CHC Team for an assessment.

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Q:
Can you receive CHC funding in hospital?

A:
No, you cannot receive CHC funding if you are in hospital. You can receive CHC funding in any other setting, e.g, if you live at home or in a residential/nursing home. You can still be assessed for CHC funding in hospital when you are ready for discharge. You or a relative can ask the nursing staff for an assessment.

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Q:
I receive self-directed support and personal budget for my social care needs. Will CHC funding affect this?

A:
CHC funded care can only be commissioned by the NHS. CHC funding cannot be paid as a direct payment unlike social care personal budget.

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Q:
My relative is going to be assessed for CHC. What does this involve?

A:
The assessment is a 2 -stage process. Firstly, a Checklist assessment to see if a person screens-in for a full assessment. The Checklist assessment can be carried out by a health or social care professional. Secondly, a Multi-Disciplinary Team assessment using the Decision Support Tool to assess needs and make a recommendation. The MDT is made up of health and social care professionals involved in caring for your relative. It will look in depth at 11 types of care needs including mobility, nutrition, and cognition and will take at least 2 hours. Read the "NHS Bury CHC process" section for more information.

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Q:
Is my consent required for a CHC assessment?

A:
Yes, an assessment for CHC funding cannot be carried out without your consent. Your consent is for the Checklist assessment and the sharing information. Your consent will be required again for the MDT assessment. If you lack the capacity to give consent a best interest discussion and decision must take place.

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Q:
My relative is going to be assessed for CHC funding. Do I need to attend?

A:
You are entitled to attend. It is not compulsory to attend but your attendance is welcomed. As next of kin, you will be sent a copy of the completed assessment to review. Even if you are unable to attend you can still give your comments on the completed assessment.

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Q:
Who can carry out a Checklist assessment?

A:
The Bury CHC Team and any health or adult care professional can carry out a Checklist assessment. A manager of a nursing or residential home cannot carry out an assessment but they may request an assessment from the CHC Team.

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Q:
Is CHC funding dependant on my financial position?

A:
NHS CHC funding is free - this includes all health and social care agreed as part of the CHC funded care package. CHC funding is not means tested and any income or savings will not be taken into account. Social security benefits should not be affected if you live at home with the exception of Independent Living Fund payments.

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Q:
When will I be informed of the outcome of the assessment?

A:
The health/social care professional will inform you of the outcome of the Checklist assessment when this has been completed. The CHC Team will inform you of the outcome of the Multi-Disciplinary Team assessment when this has been completed. The CHC Team will write to you after the Decision Panel to confirm the MDT recommendation.

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Q:
What can I do if I am unhappy with a decision?

A:
If you are unhappy with a decision not to undertake a full MDT assessment you can write to the CHC Team to reconsider the decision and giving your reasons. If you are unhappy with an MDT outcome you can write to the CHC Team and ask them to review the MDT and giving your reasons. If you are still unhappy you can write to NHS Bury, Strategic Health Authority or complain to the Health Ombudsman. See "Unhappy with a decision" section

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Q:
How will my NHS CHC funded care be commissioned?

A:
The CHC Team will commission a care package to meet your needs, i.e., both health and social care. They will consult with you and your family as well as health and social care professionals involved in your care.

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Q:
Will my CHC funded care be reviewed?

A:
The CHC Team will carry out a review after 3 months and then every 12 months. They will involve you and your family and other health and social care professionals involved in your care. If the review finds that your needs have not changed then CHC funding will continue. If your needs have changed and you are no longer eligible for CHC funding, you will be referred for another MDT assessment. CHC funding will continue until the outcome of the MDT assessment.

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