A patient assessed as having a high level of nursing needs need may be entitled to fully funded NHS ongoing care. This is known as NHS Continuing Care.

A patient who has lower nursing needs that does not qualify for NHS Continuing Care, may still qualify for the NHS funds to provide for their nursing care (not residential costs). This is known as NHS Nursing Funds.

Submissions for funding are made on your behalf by your ward based team to your local community health trust and are presented to a Panel which consists of nurses, doctors and social workers.  

NHS Continuing Care process:

• The ward staff working with you and/or your family or carers identifies that you may have continuing healthcare needs and considers your future levels of care in the community including home placement options.
• The ward staff undertakes a checklist to confirm your nursing needs and to assess the level of funding you may need - either NHS Continuing Care or NHS Nursing Funds.
• The ward staff will need to ensure that you agree and are able to make the best decision for your care including your written agreement and preferences. Your family or carers may also be consulted and if necessary, you may also receive support from a professional to help you make the best decision for your care.
• The ward undertakes the assessment and paperwork on your behalf. You are welcome to contribute your views and needs within the assessment.
• Once the assessment is completed and a nursing fund level identified, it is presented to your local community health trust for agreement.
• You or your family/carers will be informed of the outcome and the appeal process if you or family do not agree with your local Panels decision.
• The funding provided can be used within your home or within a nursing home placement. Please note that nursing home placements commissioned by the NHS and local authorities are governed by care and financial standards.

These will be explained to you by the local Primary Care Trust or social worker.

Support and advice:

Michele Amos-Yeo at Homerton – Discharge Planning Service Lead
tel: 020 8510 5014 or email: michele.amos-yeo@homerton.nhs.uk

Gwen Fisher - for patients with a Hackney GP
tel: 020 7683 4813 or email: gwen.fisher@homerton.nhs.uk

Further useful documents about NHS Continuing Care
www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/doctors-hospitals/nhs-continuing-healthcare-and-nhs-funded-nursing-care