NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is care and support provided to adults aged 18 or over, that is arranged and funded solely by the NHS, and is therefore free at the point of delivery. 

It covers health, personal care and accommodation (if that is part of the overall need). It may take the form of a care home placement or a package of care and support in the individual’s own home or elsewhere. In essence, the NHS funds all the assessed health and social care needs.

From 1 April 2013, the legal requirements on primary care trusts to undertake the assessment process for CHC will transfer to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). 

The current role of strategic health authorities to run independent review panels (and undertake support and monitoring of consistent access) will transfer to the NHS Commissioning Board