The Department of Health has announced the deadline for accepting any new appeals relating to the Health Service Ombudsman Report on NHS funding of long term care (Feb 2003). Individuals who have not already lodged an appeal with their local PCT should do so before 30 November 2007.

Long term NHS care is often referred to as ‘ Continuing NHS health care’. This is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the NHS because an individual’s need is primarily a health need rather than a need for care and accommodation. The decision on whether needs are primarily a health need is based on Department of Health policy and guidance in existence at the time the decision was made.

In 2003 the Ombudsman found that the NHS had incorrectly interpreted the policy guidelines in a number of cases, and some people had therefore been incorrectly charged for their care. The NHS reviewed their systems and corrected them, often redrafting and republishing their policy guidance. As a result, a large number of patients - or relatives and carers acting on their behalf - whose care had predominantly been before April 2004, applied for their care packages to be reassessed.

Most people affected have now made their application and the review systems established are beginning to wind down. To ensure all relevant cases can be dealt with effectively, any remaining challenges to decisions made before April 2004, where the majority or all of the care was before April 2004, should be lodged with the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust on or by 30 November 2007 wherever possible. Please note that all other cases will continue to be dealt with in the normal way.

If you think you may be eligible, please write to:

Shirley Whittingstall
Continuing Care Lead
Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust
St Mary's Hospital
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 5TG