Guidance for patients and families on applying for NHS-funded continuing healthcare.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care funded entirely by the NHS for adults outside of hospital who have complex, ongoing health needs. It can cover care home fees or care costs at home, depending on assessed need.
Please note: GPs do not usually lead or complete CHC applications. We typically do not hold the detailed day-to-day information about personal care and activities of daily living that is needed for a successful application. We advise families and carers to lead this process, with input from those providing hands-on care.
How to apply - step by step
Complete the CHC checklist
The checklist is a screening tool. Families and carers should complete this first to assess whether a full application is worthwhile. Care home staff or community nurses may be able to help.
Review the checklist outcome
If the checklist outcome is negative, a full application is unlikely to be successful at this time. If the outcome is positive, it indicates a full Decision Support Tool (DST) assessment should be pursued.
Complete the full DST application
A full application should be led by the family, with input from carers and any relevant healthcare professionals – such as district nurses or specialists – who know the patient well.
GP input if required
Your GP can contribute clinical information where needed as part of a full application, but is not usually the appropriate lead. Please contact us if a specific clinical contribution has been formally requested.
Further information and resources
- NHS: NHS Continuing Healthcare – overview and eligibility – Explains what CHC is, who is eligible, and how the process works – nhs.uk
- Gov.uk: NHS CHC checklist – official guidance and document – The official NHS CHC checklist with guidance on how to complete it – gov.uk
- Gov.uk: NHS CHC Decision Support Tool (DST) – full application form – The full DST application form used to assess eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare – gov.uk
- Central East ICB
Fast-track Continuing Healthcare
Key aspects of fast-track CHC
- Eligibility: The individual must have a rapidly deteriorating condition that is entering a terminal phase. It is not limited to cancer patients, but applies to anyone with urgent, escalating needs.
- The process: An appropriate clinician (registered nurse, doctor, or consultant) completes the Fast-Track Pathway Tool and submits it to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB).
- No long assessments: Unlike standard CHC, there is no requirement to complete a full screening checklist or a detailed Decision Support Tool (DST).
- Urgency: The aim is to have care – such as nursing or personal care at home – arranged immediately, usually within 48 hours, to support the patient in their preferred place.
- Review: While initial funding is granted immediately, the ICB may review care needs later to ensure the package remains appropriate.
How to request fast-track CHC
Questions for the practice? If a healthcare professional contribution has been formally requested as part of a completed CHC application, please contact the surgery in the usual way. We are unable to lead or initiate CHC applications on behalf of patients.