NHS England abolished | the impact on NHS continuing healthcare

Judy Timson, our clinical advisor at Moore and Tibbits looks at the potential impact on NHS Continuing healthcare following the abolishment of NHS England.

The abolishment of NHS England (NHSE) and transfer of its responsibilities to the Department of Health, and Social Care (DHSC) will indeed have implications for NHS Continuing healthcare.

Below is a breakdown on how this change may affect the process:

Administrative changes

• NHSE plays a crucial part in setting the framework and guidelines for NHS Continuing healthcare. A transition to the DHSC control will mean these guidelines could be subject to change.
• The aim of the abolishment is to reduce bureaucracy and streamline management.  However, during the transition there could be temporary disruption or changes in how the continuing healthcare assessment and funding decision are made.

Potential for a policy change or shift

• With the DHSC taking direct control, there is the potential for shifts in policy priorities regarding continuing healthcare eligibility and funding.
• Changes in funding allocation or eligibility criteria could also significantly impact individuals seeking or receiving continuing healthcare.

Impact on local practices

Whilst national policy is set, the implementation of continuing healthcare assessments and funding decisions occurs at a local level. A change at national level will inevitably filter down and affect local processes.
It is therefore essential that measures are put in place to ensure continuity of care during the transition, as any disruption to continuing healthcare assessments or funding could have severe consequences for vulnerable individuals.

We will be continuing to monitor any changes and will keep our website regularly updated.  If you have any queries in relation to NHS continuing healthcare funding, please do not hesitate to contact us.