NHS Continuing Healthcare: Screening and Eligibility Basics

Ask the NHS (ward team, GP, or continuing healthcare team) to complete the checklist if needs may qualify. Start here so the rest of the guide has a clear foundation.

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) means the NHS funds care and support for people with intense health needs, including in their own home or a care home. In England the process uses a checklist, then a decision support…

• Full cost of care at home or in a care home if eligible (package depends on assessed needs).
• Evidence that helps: Checklist completed by a trained health or social care professional
• Watch out: Assuming social care means test outcomes decide CHC (different legal tests)

CHC can fund care when needs are primarily health-related. The checklist and decision support tool are where many disputes start.

If checklist passes, request full assessment and DST — keep copies of all paperwork. Take this step carefully before moving on — it supports everything that follows.

• Fast-track CHC for end-of-life rapid deterioration in some cases.
• Evidence that helps: DST with multi-disciplinary input and evidence from professionals involved in care
• Keep copies of anything you send and any reply you receive.

Worked approach: If checklist passes, request full assessment and DST — keep copies of all paperwork Then record what happened and what you still need.

For fast-track, ask whether terminal or rapidly deteriorating health criteria apply (professional decision). Take this step carefully before moving on — it supports everything that follows.

• NHS-funded nursing care contribution in some care home situations if CHC is not awarded (different rules).
• Evidence that helps: Care plans, hospital letters, nursing notes, therapy reports
• Keep copies of anything you send and any reply you receive.

06:00 — [medication / turning / catheter care / pain management] 12:00 — [feeding support / diabetes monitoring / wound care] 18:00 — [mobility transfers with health risk / oxygen / seizures] 02:00 — [night positioning / monitoring / incontinence linked to condition]

If eligible, agree care package and funding responsibilities in writing. Take this step carefully before moving on — it supports everything that follows.

• Full cost of care at home or in a care home if eligible (package depends on assessed needs).
• Evidence that helps: 24-hour care logs showing health needs across the day
• Keep copies of anything you send and any reply you receive.

Worked approach: If eligible, agree care package and funding responsibilities in writing Then record what happened and what you still need.

If not eligible, ask for reasons and whether NHS-funded nursing care contribution applies instead. Take this step carefully before moving on — it supports everything that follows.

• Fast-track CHC for end-of-life rapid deterioration in some cases.
• Evidence that helps: Medication charts and treatment schedules
• Keep copies of anything you send and any reply you receive.

Worked approach: If not eligible, ask for reasons and whether NHS-funded nursing care contribution applies instead Then record what happened and what you still need.

If disputed, use local resolution process then request independent review and appeal routes on your letter. Take this step carefully before moving on — it supports everything that follows.

• NHS-funded nursing care contribution in some care home situations if CHC is not awarded (different rules).
• Evidence that helps: Checklist completed by a trained health or social care professional
• Keep copies of anything you send and any reply you receive.

06:00 — [medication / turning / catheter care / pain management] 12:00 — [feeding support / diabetes monitoring / wound care] 18:00 — [mobility transfers with health risk / oxygen / seizures] 02:00 — [night positioning / monitoring / incontinence linked to condition]