Apologies if this has been discussed before, I'm on my mobile and can't see a search function.
As you know my dad is rapidly declining. We've been waiting for a new CHC review but today a nurse at the home told me she'd requested it to be fast tracked.
I haven't come across this before. Is this an indication that the health professionals think that we're at end stage?
So much to get my head around...sorry again if this has been asked before x
Hello and so sorry to hear that you are experiencing this. We had the same experience with my dad, he was fast tracked for CHC and was granted it immediately when he was admitted to hospital with a total loss of swallow function We were advised at the time that it is appropriate for when the patient experiences a period of rapid and sustained deterioration. The nurses on the ward were dubious and informed me that it was only granted if a patient was deemed to be in their last three months and they said that my dad was not in such a period but his Neuro Matron said it was not the criteria and applied immediately and it was granted. However, weirdly and despite what the hospital nurses had said, dad died in just under three months of it being granted. I wrote a post about it at the time and there are several responses which may be useful to you. All the best at this difficult time. Ruth x
I was informed that fast tracking for CHC funding was only granted when a patient has approximately six weeks left. Should they survive the six weeks a review would be done in three months. Our first application for funding in March was refused but that a was not acceptable to our community team and a further checklist was done using the fast track system and in July we did receive funding. Unfortunately my hubby passed away in December. Best wishes to you at this very difficult time. Jxx
Chris was fast tracked as he was deemed terminal. He died 10 weeks later.
It means he will get it but if he lasts longer you are in a stronger position.
Enjoy your break. xxx
Hi Martha_k_uk
No, that's what we do on the forum - you post away for anything. There is so much to keep up with, with all of this care stuff.
I was a little perplexed. If you are already receiving CHC and its merely being reviewed then you are already on a pathway for funding.
Fast Track is another route used when a rapid response is needed to get funding started. Sometimes this is when the condition is becoming terminal, sometimes not.
This is from the NHS "Continuing Health Care Guide for Health and Social Care Practitioners"
"a) The Fast Track Pathway Tool for NHS Continuing Healthcare November 2012
(Revised) can only be completed by ‘an appropriate clinician’ where someone is
in need of NHS CHC because they have 'a rapidly deteriorating condition, which
may be entering a terminal phase.’ In these specific circumstances the
completion of the Fast Track Tool is sufficient for the individual to be accepted as
having a ‘primary health need’. The term 'primary health need' is explained below
but is a concept developed to help determine whether someone is eligible for full
NHS funding for their care needs."
However it is common for Nursing Home staff not to understand the regulations. It's not their field and they have seldom read the National Framework. More worrying is when staff in homes tell people they are not eligible to apply for CHC. Just because that home has only had folk who have received it when very severely ill. That happens rather a lot.
Don't always expect the CHC assessors to get the regulations right either!
Hopefully the assessor will pop along do a brief review and give continuation the nod.
Best to you both
Kevin
Thanks to you all. Let's see what tomorrow brings x
My lady was fast tracked when discharged home from hospital and the visiting District Nurse told me it was only for 6 weeks. As I recognised that she was unlikely to live that long, I didn't bother to argue with her (as Kevin says you chose your battles!), but the information here had "armed" me for battle should I have needed it!! Xxx
Hi Martha
It looks like you have received some really helpful responses from other forum users. Just wanted to let you know that PSPA have two information sheets on NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding.
For people affected by the condtion:
pspassociation.org.uk/infor...
For the health professional carrying out the CHC assessment:
pspassociation.org.uk/for-p...
It's great to see you folk here.
Thank you for your fantastic Org. too..
Best
Kevin
Thanks everyone for your comments, I will take a look at the links - more information is always helpful x
Do come back and tell us the outcome.
There are things you can do if you get a no.
Best to you.
Fingers well crossed
Kevin
CHC
CHC again :( 
CHC appeal refused
