NHS Continuing Care

Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding Solicitors

When you or a loved one reaches a point where additional care support is inevitable, whether at home or in a care or nursing home, it’s important to explore all available options. However, this care can be expensive, so understanding how to manage these costs is essential.

If the need for care is due to what the NHS refers to as a ‘primary health need,’ you might be eligible for funding through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC); this can help cover the costs and reduce the financial burden on you.

An initial screening checklist will determine if you may be eligible for CHC. If the checklist suggests you might qualify, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of carers, healthcare professionals and specialists will conduct a detailed assessment. They will then decide whether you are eligible for CHC funding.

If you want to find out if you or a relative might qualify for CHC, please complete our enquiry form. We’re here to guide you through this process with care and expertise.

The Continuing Healthcare Process

Understanding CHC funding can be challenging, and we know how overwhelming this process can feel. Our team is here to offer clear, compassionate guidance, ensuring your journey through this process is as straightforward as possible. We will guide you through the assessment, help with any re-submissions required or the appeals process if needed to ensure your voice is heard.

Our priority is to ensure that you or your loved one receives the best possible care and that the process is handled with empathy and expertise.

The process can be broken down into key stages:

Initial Assessment & Appearance before MDT

  1. Initial advice and understanding eligibility: The first step in the CHC process is understanding eligibility criteria and the steps involved. We provide comprehensive advice, helping you understand whether CHC is suitable for your situation.

  2. Gathering necessary information: Our solicitors will help you collect the necessary information to build a strong case for CHC funding. We aim to make this as stress-free as possible, working closely with you to gather all relevant details.

  3. Collecting medical records: A key step in this process is gathering medical records and assessments from healthcare professionals. These documents are vital in showing that the care needs are primarily health-related, which is essential for building a strong case.

  4. Submission to the local authority: Once we have all the necessary information, we prepare a detailed submission on your behalf. This step is crucial in securing CHC funding, and we handle it with precision and care.

  5. Reviewing the local authority’s decision: If your initial assessment is negative, we carefully review the decision and advise on the best course of action. We are committed to supporting you through the appeal process, ensuring that your case is presented as strongly as possible.

  6. Preparation for and attendance at the MTD: If your case moves forward to the MDT stage, we’ll prepare you thoroughly, ensuring all documentation is in order and you know what to expect. We can also attend the MDT meeting with you to provide support.

Our standard advisory services for this stage capped, giving you full transparency and certainty regarding costs.

Appeals from MDT and Judicial Review

If the MDT’s decision is not in your favour, the process doesn’t end there. You have the right to appeal, and we are here to support you through this next phase.

Handling the appeal process: Our team will manage the appeal process on your behalf, gathering additional evidence and presenting a robust case. We understand how stressful this can be and are committed to reducing that stress with clear communication and dedicated support.

Judicial review: If an appeal is unsuccessful, we may explore the option of a judicial review. Our solicitors have experience with judicial reviews and will provide honest, transparent advice about your chances of success and any associated costs.

Appeal work is charged at standard hourly rates, with additional disbursements as necessary. We aim to provide transparent pricing, ensuring you are fully aware of any costs before proceeding.

Contact our NHS Continuing Healthcare Solicitors

Planning for the future can be daunting, but with the right guidance, you can confidently manage the CHC process.

Our specialist NHS Continuing Healthcare solicitors are based in Nelson, Lancashire, near Burnley. We regularly assist clients in Manchester, Blackburn, Rochdale, Preston, Bolton and beyond, including across the Pennines in Leeds, Sheffield, Huddersfield and further afield.

As an expert team in future care planning, we are here to help you, wherever you are in England or Wales, offering outstanding advice at affordable regional rates.

If you'd like to speak with one of our specialists at Farnworth Rose, call us on 01282 695 400 or complete the form below, and we'll be in touch.