Framework launched to streamline NHS continuing care (27 June)
Thousands of people in England are likely to receive more help towards their care costs following publication of the new National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
It will be put into action by the NHS and Local Authorities from October and is expected to cost up to £220 million in the first year.
The framework has been developed in close consultation with voluntary groups, professional bodies and patient/user groups, and will make funding decisions on eligibility fairer, faster and easier to understand.
It also abolishes different nursing bands for free nursing care - freeing up more time for nurses and cutting down on repeated patient assessments.
Launching the framework, Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis said: “At present, people with identical care needs can receive different decisions on whether they are eligible for fully funded continuing care, based purely on where they live.
“The new system will address these anomalies and will introduce one national system for everyone needing this type of care in England.”