Continuing NHS Healthcare (also known as CHC) is a package of care which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS for individuals who have been assessed as having a primary health need. You can receive continuing healthcare in any setting, including your own home or a care home. Continuing NHS Healthcare is free, unlike help from social services for which a financial charge may be made depending on your income and savings.
Anyone assessed as having a certain level of care need may receive CHC. It is not dependent on a particular disease, diagnosis or condition, or on who provides the care or where that care is provided. If your overall care needs show that your primary care need is a health need, you may be eligible for CHC. Once eligible for CHC, your care will be funded by the NHS but this is subject to review and should your care needs change the funding arrangements may also change.
Welsh Government have developed a range of leaflets designed to help and guide staff, the person and family members through the CHC process used to determine eligibility.
The Welsh Government has produced a new 2014 framework for CHC, setting out their policy for eligibility for CHC, and the responsibilities of NHS organisations and local authorities under the Framework and related matters. It sets out a process for the NHS, working together with local authority partners, to assess health needs, decide on eligibility for CHC and provide appropriate care. The purpose of the Framework is to provide a consistent foundation for assessing, commissioning and providing CHC for adults across Wales.
The revised 2014 Framework can be found at:
You may also find the following operational policy, protocols and procedures useful: