NHS data, external shows that at the end of March 2025 more than 51,000 patients in England were eligible for CHC, with almost a third qualifying via the fast track route.
National guidance, external states there may be situations where it is “appropriate to review eligibility” for fast track CHC but goes on to say that where a patient is “expected to die in the very near future” the ICB should continue to take responsibility for the care package.
Dementia UK has launched a Fix the Funding, external campaign, which is calling on the government to urgently review the assessment process for CHC, which it believes is flawed and does not recognise the needs of people with dementia.
Andy Pike, deputy director of campaigns, said: “For people living with dementia CHC can be an absolute lifeline, but some people will end up living in situations where they may spend the last few years of caring for somebody trying to fight the system.
“We’ve had it described to us as ‘wading through treacle’ in order to try and get the outcome you want, rather than spending that time with the person you love.”
The Department of Health and Social Care said responsibility for decisions about CHC funding lay with Local Integrated Care Boards, but as part of its 10 Year Health Plan it would be moving more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure patients could access the care they needed.