Issue - meetings

To hear a briefing on the Continuing Healthcare Framework and its implementation in Haringey

This framework came into effect on 1^st October 2007.  The impetus for this framework were the Grogan and Coughlan judgements which made it clear that a very clear criteria was needed.

If you are eligible for NHS continuing care funding then you are not eligible to pay for any care (health or social).  If you are not eligible for NHS continuing care funding then you would have an assessment and may have to pay for some social care.

The Continuing Care panel is a multi-disciplinary panel chaired by the TPCT and Older People’s Services on an alternate basis.

The panel considers cases where a person may need a large package of care at home or is going into a residential home.  Cases get presented with a social work assessment, a nursing assessment and a medical assessment.  Also, where necessary other assessments.  For example, if someone has had a stroke a speech assessment may be necessary.

The panel then looks at the eligibility criteria and the domains within this.  Discussion on the weighting takes place as well as the inter-relationship between the clients needs.  Intensity and complexity of need are considered.

A dispute resolution process is in place for cases where agreement can not be reached.

Once a decision has taken place a review happens after the first three months and then on an annual basis to assess whether a persons situation has changed.

The framework is already being worked within and therefore significant changes are not necessary.  One major change if that the framework is highly process driven and therefore there are plans to enlarge the team with two nursing posts.  These posts will be advertised shortly.

Discussion Points

The involvement of carers as a point of information is mentioned under the Act.  It has been decided that to have carers attend the panel would slow down the process due to the high volume of cases considered at each panel.  Therefore the plan is to open up the process to carers and ask them to provide written information.