Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free long-term care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can be provided in a variety of settings outside hospital (for example, in your own home or in a care home).
To be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of health and social care professionals (a multidisciplinary team) who will look at all your care needs and relate them to:
- what help you need;
- how complex your needs are;
- how intense your needs can be;
- how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care isn’t provided at the right time.
Your eligibility depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare may change. If you aren’t eligible, you can be referred to your local council who can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for support from them.
Unlike NHS care, care from your local council is based on a financial assessment as well as an assessment of your needs and you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your care.
How can I get an assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS South East London is responsible for assessing the needs of people registered with a GP based in South East London. Each south east London borough has a dedicated NHS Continuing Healthcare Team. Contact information for each of the teams can be found below:
Explainer animation video
Public Information Leaflet for adults and children and young people
Frequently Asked Questions
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