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All Age Continuing Care

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is a package of continuing care which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS, for people with ongoing healthcare needs who meet the national NHS continuing healthcare eligibility criteria.

The All Age Continuing Care Service has now transferred to Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust from the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board.

This move places the service closer to people’s homes and strengthens the joined-up support offered across local communities. Read our FAQs about the transfer of the service.

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Eligibility

Eligible patients can receive free NHS continuing healthcare in any setting, such as:

  • in their own home: services from a community nurse and personal care, such as help with bathing and dressing
  • in a care home: as well as healthcare and personal care, the NHS will pay for care home fees, including board and accommodation.

More information

The NHS CHC process is set out in the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare. The framework was written and produced by the Department of Health and Social Care and was revised in July 2022. It sets out the principles and processes of NHS continuing Healthcare.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, a patient's main or primary need for care must relate to their health. For example, people who are eligible are likely to:

  • have a complex medical condition, such as dementia, that requires a lot of care and support
  • need highly specialised nursing support
  • someone nearing the end of their life is also likely to be eligible if they have a condition that is rapidly getting worse and may be terminal.

FAQs

Why has the continuing healthcare team moved to KCHFT?

This is part of a planned change to how NHS services in Kent and Medway are organised, designed to bring care teams closer to the communities they serve. 

Will the care or support I receive change?

This change will not affect your care. The same team will continue to support you. Your care plan, care coordinator and services will all remain the same. You do not need to do anything. 

Will contact details or phone numbers change?

Your contact details and phone numbers will remain the same during the transition. We will contact you if any contact details change. 

Will the professionals who visit patients stay the same?

The same team will continue to support you. Your care plan, care coordinator and services will all remain the same. You do not need to do anything. 

Will care reviews still take place in the same way?

This change will not affect your care or care reviews. The same team will continue to support you and your or your relative’s care will be reviewed in the usual way.

Will there be any delay to assessments or reviews because of the move?

There will be no delay to assessments, care or reviews as a result of this change. The team’s contact details and phone numbers remain the same. If you are worried about a delay, please contact the team directly.

Will the new provider have access to the same information about my or my relative’s care?

The team will have full access to the same records and information about your or your relative’s care so support can continue safely and smoothly.

How will my or my relative’s care plan be kept up to date during the transfer?

Care plans will be maintained throughout the change. Any updates will continue to be made by the team in discussion with you or your relative.

What should I do if I have concerns about the quality of care during the change?

Please use the same contact details to speak to the team if you have any concerns about your care or the care of a relative. You can also access the usual complaints and patient advice and liaison service routes if needed.

 

 

How will I be informed if anything about our support changes?

The same team will continue to care for you. If changes are needed to your care or care plan, this will be discussed with you as part of the normal care review process.

Who can I speak to for reassurance or more information?

Please contact the service at kmicb.chcenquiries@nhs.net. A member of the AACC team will be in touch to offer support and respond to your enquiry.