NHS-funded Nursing Care
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What is NHS-Funded Nursing Care (NHS-FNC) and How Do I Get It? Understanding NHS-Funded Nursing Care NHS-Funded Nursing Care (NHS-FNC) is a financial contribution from the NHS, paid directly to nursing homes to cover the cost of nursing care provided by registered nurses. It is available to individuals who require nursing care but do not qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). NHS-FNC is only available in nursing homes, as these facilities employ registered nurses. Residential care homes, which do not provide on-site nursing, rely on community-based NHS staff, such as district nurses, for nursing care. Local authorities cannot legally fund nursing care unless an individual has been assessed and confirmed as eligible for NHS-FNC. Who is Eligible for NHS-Funded Nursing Care? To qualify for NHS-FNC, an individual must: • Be assessed as having a nursing need (ongoing nursing care that requires a registered nurse). • Be deemed ineligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) after assessment. • Have care needs that are best met in a nursing home rather than a residential home or other setting. The Assessment Process 1. Initial Screening (Checklist Assessment) • When an individual is being considered for a nursing home placement, an initial Checklist Assessment is completed to determine if a full CHC assessment is required. • If the individual is not eligible for CHC, a Nursing Needs Assessment is conducted. 2. Nursing Needs Assessment • This assessment evaluates the individual’s daily nursing and support needs. • If ongoing nursing care is required, they may qualify for NHS-Funded Nursing Care (NHS-FNC). NHS-FNC Payment Rates From 1 April 2024, the standard weekly NHS-FNC rate increased by 7.4%, rising from £219.71 to £235.88. The higher rate also increased from £302.25 to £324.50. These payments are made directly to nursing homes to help cover the cost of nursing care. If you or a loved one are moving into a nursing home, ensure that an assessment is conducted to determine eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) or NHS-Funded Nursing Care (NHS-FNC). |
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