Continuing Healthcare Alliance
The Continuing Healthcare Alliance is a group of 17 charities and organisations who believe that NHS continuing healthcare needs to improve.
We aim to make continuing healthcare fairer and easier to access for those who need it most.
What do we do?
We work together to investigate what's wrong with the current continuing healthcare system.
We work with local decision makers to recognise the importance of improving continuing healthcare.
And we don't want anyone left without the support they so desperately need.
What is continuing healthcare?
NHS continuing healthcare – also known as NHS continuing care or NHS CHC – is free healthcare provided outside of hospital that is arranged and funded by the NHS.
It may include paying for care costs typically funded by a local authority under the banner of social care, such as fees for a care home, but where these arise due to a specific health need.
When delivered effectively, it can enable people to go on living as full a life as possible. It can also have the benefit of reducing anxiety and minimising pressure on family and friends.
Who are our members?
Parkinson's UK
MS Society
Multiple System Atrophy Trust
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Age UK
Beacon
Sue Ryder
Carers Trust
Marie Curie
Dementia UK
Spinal Injuries Association
Stroke Association
Alzheimer's Society
PSP Association (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy – CBD)
Patients Association
Learning Disability England
The British Polio Fellowship
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Ann and Bill's story
Ann's husband Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1997.
In this animation, she explains the struggles she had in accessing continuing healthcare.
In 2016 we launched a report into the current state of NHS continuing healthcare. We found 9 major issues with the system, from lack of consistency to unacceptable delays.
It's failing those who need it most.
You can also download our:
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What did the report find?
There's a lack of information and advice
Since its introduction, the application and assessment process for NHS continuing healthcare has been incredibly complex.
Many people told us they had to become overnight experts in a daunting and complicated system.
Download this chapter
In the dark: the provision of information and advice (pdf, 260KB)
People are kept waiting for weeks or months
Despite there being clear guidelines in place about how long this process should take, people are often left waiting long periods with little communication on the progress of their application.
Download this chapter
Why are we waiting? The delays experienced by people applying (pdf, 550KB)
Not enough data is collected
To improve something, we need to know what's wrong.
But it's hard to prove what's wrong with NHS continuing healthcare as so little data is collected.
Download this chapter
Filling in the blanks: improving the data that is gathered (pdf, 32KB)
Multidisciplinary teams aren't used effectively
It's essential that knowledgeable teams of qualified health and social care professionals lead the assessments on continuing healthcare.
They know the person, and in-depth information on their condition, and can involve the patient, their friends and family in the process.
Download this chapter
Leave it to the experts: how professionals conduct the assessments (pdf, 180KB)
The decision support tool doesn't work
The decision support tool is used by professionals to help decide whether someone qualifies for NHS continuing healthcare.
We do not believe it is fit for purpose.
Download this chapter
Dysfunctional decisions: how the Decision Support Tool is used (pdf, 130KB)
There's a lack of consistency and consequences
As so many decisions regarding NHS continuing healthcare are made at a local level, people across the country have very different experiences and outcomes.
Download this chapter
Never the same: the lack of consistency and consequences (pdf, 270KB)
Reassessments and stressful and often unnecessary
It's unacceptable that people are continually reassessed despite many people assessed for continuing healthcare having long-term, progressive conditions.
Download this chapter
Say that again: the impact of regular reassessments (pdf, 460KB)
Unsuitable care is being provided
Once someone has been awarded NHS continuing healthcare, the Clinical Commissioning Group is required to commission a package of care.
An area of concern is the lack of suitable care packages put in place once eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare has been granted.
Download this chapter
Appeals are complex and distressing
Appealing a decision about NHS continuing healthcare can be time consuming, complex and distressing.
Often people can wait months and even years.
During that time, it is likely that individuals are paying for care unnecessarily and also engaging solicitors to support them through the process.
Download this chapter
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Do you need support to get continuing healthcare?
Beacon can help you access the support you're entitled to.
