If your loved one has had a full NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding assessment and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) has decided that they are not eligible, you may want to launch an NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding appeal. The NHS has a two-stage appeal process which must be followed. There is an opportunity for reconsideration at each stage of the process.

The first stage of appeal is known as “Local Disputes Resolution.” It involves meeting with the representatives of the ICB who made the decision of ineligibility. The National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare provides that the ICB should offer an informal meeting, following by a formal meeting or panel.

Thereafter, if you remain unhappy with the ICB’s decision, you can ask NHS England to convene an Independent Review Panel. They will then consider the ICB’s decision.

We recommend that you consider instructing a solicitor to act for you in relation to this NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding appeal. It can be helpful to receive comprehensive guidance and advice on strategy and procedure. You may also find it reassuring to know that the case is being presented adequately, both in writing and verbally to NHS appeal panels.

It’s best to involve us as early as possible, so that we can ensure your appeal is structured and argued correctly. However, we can potentially assist you at any stage of the process.

Instructing us as soon as you receive the decision outcome has the following benefits:

1. Before committing to anything, you’ll know how strong your appeal is, enabling you to make more informed and cost-effective decisions.
2. Your chances of winning the appeal earlier will be greater, saving you time, money and energy.
3. You’ll know what evidence to obtain to support your case sooner. The longer the process goes on, the harder it can be to introduce new evidence.

Everyone is different, and if you decide you’d like professional help at any stage of your Continuing Healthcare Funding appeal, please contact us. We will discuss your specific needs and tailor our approach to your specific case.

When lodging a Continuing Healthcare Funding appeal, we will need to see all the paperwork you have in relation to your case.

In particular:

• The original Decision Support Tool (DST)
• Any reports, minutes or other paperwork issued by the ICB as part of your appeal
• Any decision letters issued by the ICB
• Any Needs Portrayal Document
• Copies of any emails or other correspondence you’ve had with the ICB or NHS England
• Any clinical records you have in your possession
• Any case file issued by the ICB in readiness for an Independent Review Panel

You only pay us for the time we spend on your case. We know that, when you're looking for a lawyer to assist you with an NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding appeal, you’re looking for advice to strengthen your strategy. This will require you to work closely with your lawyer to create a bespoke Continuing Healthcare Funding appeal. Our fees are calculated based on the time we spend with you and take into account your individual needs.

Please contact us so that we can provide you with a fee estimate. You’re under no obligation to instruct us at this point. We are always honest about your prospects of success, however good or bad they may be. Our fees will be proportionate based on our estimated outcome.

They are very knowledgeable about the NHS Continuing Healthcare Appeals process and I found it very reassuring knowing that a solicitor was looking after the appeal for me.

I first made contact with them to review my dad’s DST and advise me if I should appeal. Their advice reassured me that they had a really good grasp of my dad’s needs as well as the legal stuff. Their fees were very reasonable, and it was a no-brainer to instruct this firm, given that my dad’s nursing home fees are £4,800 per month and we potentially stood to save this money going forward. They used a combination of written appeal submissions and they acted as our advocate in our appeal meetings. They knew what they were talking about and were very persuasive – I’ve no doubts at all in recommending them.