New NHS continuing care leaflet issued to reflect changes to National Framework

The NHS has updated its public information booklet on NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care further to the review of the National Framework that took place from October 2008. The new leaflet reflects the changes made to the National Framework in the revised version that was published in July 2009. Although the basis for eligibility decisions and the overall principles of continuing care remain the same, the tools used during the assessment process have changed slightly to give greater clarity about types and levels of patient need. The tools also require more information to be completed; in particular, input from the patient, their relatives or carers, who should be closely involved throughout the assessment process. The main change is to the Fast Track Pathway Tool, which is completed by an appropriate clinician who considers that a patient’s condition is rapidly deteriorating and may be terminal. The PCT is now obliged to fund continuing care for the patient upon receipt of the completed Pathway Tool – it could previously use its discretion – until such time as a full assessment can be carried out. As well as changes to the decision-making tools, the review process has also been clarified. You can download the new NHS leaflet in PDF format by clicking here.

From 1 October 2009, the changes made in the revised National Framework became mandatory for all PCTs and NHS Trusts in England. Under the National Health Service Act 2006, the NHS has now issued revised NHS Continuing Healthcare (Responsibilities) Directions and Delayed Discharge (Continuing Care) Directions to all PCTs and NHS Trusts. These documents can also be downloaded from the DoH website.