New national rules for funding care

Source: Healthcare Digital

Date :26/06/2007 12:34:10

A new national framework for funding NHS continuing healthcare has been announced

The framework, unveiled by Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis means thousands of people in England are likely to receive more help towards their care costs.

Lewis said the system will standardise decisions on who is eligible for continuing care, making the process faster, fairer and easier to understand.

Campaigners have criticized the measures for not going far enough, warning it would not cover social or personal care.

Continuing nursing care - a package of nursing and social care - is needed mostly by elderly people to help them cope with illness or an on-going medical condition.

Decisions on who is eligible currently vary around the country, leading to people with identical needs being treated differently.

The new guidance - which will affect thousands of people living in care homes, and in their own homes - is an attempt to address this by introducing nationwide rules.

Mr Lewis said: "It will lead to fair and consistent access to NHS funding across England, irrespective of location, diagnosis or personal circumstances.

"This will make the system faster and more convenient for both patients and professionals.”

The guidance comes into operation in October, and it is estimated that it will cost £220million in its first year.

June 26 2007