Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to provide clarity to Continuing Healthcare applicants regarding what constitutes a health need rather than a social care need in determining eligibility for this funding.

The National framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-framework-for-nhs-continuing-healthcare-and-nhs-funded-nursing-care

It sets out the basis for National Health Service continuing healthcare eligibility. It also sets out the detailed eligibility assessment process which integrated care boards must have regard of. NHS England’s assurance regime promotes accurate assessment, equal access, and consistency within NHS continuing healthcare delivery.

The Department recognises the importance of providing information to individuals and their families. Our Public Information Leaflet is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-continuing-healthcare-and-nhs-funded-nursing-care-public-information-leaflet/public-information-leaflet-nhs-continuing-healthcare-and-nhs-funded-nursing-care--2

This leaflet explains the criteria used to determine eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare, and the assessment process which facilitates the decision. NHS England has also commissioned a free Information and Advice Service for NHS continuing healthcare, supplied by Beacon.