Some children and young people (up to age 18), may have very complex health needs.
These may be the result of:
- Congenital conditions
- Long-term or life-limiting conditions
- Disability
- Serious illness or injury
Children with such complex needs may need additional health support to that which is routinely available from GP practices, hospitals or in the community.
This additional package of care is called continuing care. The Clinical Commissioning Group, which arranges health services locally, has responsibility for assessing children and young people to see if they need a package of continuing care.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) is a package of care for adults aged 18 or over which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS. In order to receive NHS CHC funding individuals, have to be assessed by integrated commissioning boards (ICBs) according to a legally prescribed decision making process to determine whether the individual has a ‘primary health need’.