NHS Continuing care

NHS continuing healthcare is a package of health and social care funded solely by the NHS when your need for care is primarily due to your need for healthcare. NHS continuing health care may be for prolonged periods but not necessarily for life and entitlement may be subject to regular review.

In 2008, national guidance was issued in Scotland to ensure that NHS Health Boards have to show that there is a 'clear reasoned decision based on evidence of needs from a comprehensive assessment' when they consider whether to fund your care needs in this way.

To receive an assessment for NHS Continuing Care, you can either ask a member of your hospital care team if you are in hospital, or you can ask your GP or a social worker if they can arrange a referral for you to be assessed if you are not happy in hospital.

The assessment requires that your views and those of your carers should be taken into account when making any decision. Copies of the assessment should be provided to you and the reasons for the decision fully explained.

Once a decision is made that your healthcare needs should be met and funded through NHS continuing healthcare, care will usually be provided in a hospital ward, hospice or a contracted inpatient bed, which may be based in a care home.