A recent article in the Bromsgrove Advertiser highlighted concerns that Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group’s cap on funding for individual continuing healthcare placements could be forcing individuals into nursing care because it is the cheaper option.
But they are not the only CCG to use a ‘cap’ and the Equality and Human Rights Commission has started the first steps towards judicial review proceedings to tackle what it refers to as ‘significant concerns about blanket NHS CHC policies having arbitrary caps on funding and failing to consider the specific needs of individual patients’. The commission has written to 13 CCG’s across the country, including Coventry and Rugby and Warwickshire North, giving them 14 days to respond before it takes further a further decision regarding court action.
We work with families facing the dilemma of trying to uphold their loved ones wishes to be cared for at home whilst under tremendous pressure – usually financially driven - to move them to a nursing home. When it comes to finances, it seems that some CCG’s prioritise a capped budget over what is the most appropriate care for the individual, but there are steps we can take to challenge them to secure the care someone needs in their own home.
For more information contact a member of our health and community care team on 01926 491181.