Getting NHS continuing healthcare fast tracked
What is NHS continuing healthcare?
NHS continuing healthcare (sometimes called NHS CHC) is a funding programme. If you’re eligible, it pays for all your social care, including care home fees or carers if you’re living in your own home. Without it, you may have to fund some or all of these costs yourself.
It’s available in England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, continuing healthcare is available but it isn’t as easy to access and the assessment process is different from what’s described on this page. You can find out more on the Department of Health’s website.
It's not available in Scotland. We have more information on what happens in Scotland on our page, NHS continuing healthcare.
To get NHS continuing healthcare, the NHS says you must have ‘a complex medical condition with substantial, ongoing care needs'. This means you must be very ill to get it, and need a lot of help to manage your illness.
You may be able to get NHS continuing healthcare put in place faster than usual. This is only if you have a ‘rapidly deteriorating condition that may be entering the terminal phase’. This means your condition is getting worse quickly, and you may be nearing the end of your life.
How do I get NHS continuing healthcare fast tracked?
A health professional such as the GP or district nurse can organise the application process for fast tracked care, so you, your family or friends don’t need to take any action. But you, your family or friends can talk to your GP or district nurse to ask for an assessment yourself.
To get NHS continuing healthcare fast tracked, instead of doing a full assessment, your medical team will use an assessment called the Fast Track Pathway Tool.
A doctor or nurse involved in your care will fill in a form to say you have a rapidly deteriorating condition and may be entering the terminal phase. This form is sent to the local care commissioning organisation.
They can do this assessment whether you are staying at home, in a hospice or in a care home.
How long will it take if I get NHS continuing healthcare fast tracked?
If a fast track assessment is accepted, the NHS says a care package should be in place in two working days. But in some areas it may take longer, and could take two weeks or more.
If you want to know how long it might take, speak to your GP or nurse.
What happens if I get fast tracked NHS continuing healthcare and my condition improves?
If you’ve received fast tracked NHS continuing healthcare and your condition starts to improve, your situation may be reviewed and you may have another assessment for NHS continuing healthcare using the usual assessment process. This will be explained to you and you will be told about any changes.
For more information about the regular assessment process, visit our page, NHS Continuing Healthcare.
External websites
Did you find this page useful?
Help us be there for anyone with an illness they're likely to die from by telling us what you think.
If you are completing this survey using a desktop computer, hold down the Ctrl button to select multiple options.
About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
