Please help CHC funding refused

[Angelcakes]

Hi I'm new to this forum but I'm really hoping someone may be able to help. My mother has advanced Alzheimer's and has had to go into a home, heartbreaking for the whole family. I applied for CHC for her and completed a successful checklist. At the multi disciplinary meeting a support tool was completed as a result was she was recommended for full CHC by the nurse assessor and the MDT. However, the CCG panel have now rejected this recommendation out of hand and say she must stay on Funded Nursing Care. I read the framework and understand they shouldn't be able to do this, but they have. Does anyone know the best way to approach this. I know we can appeal, but this seems very wrong when the Framework says the CCG can't make a different decision to the MDT given the same evidence. After rejecting it, it hasn't been returned to the MDT for further work, just flatly refused. Are there any other options? Has anyone come across this before?

 

[SouWester]

My suggestion would be to go and chat with your local Citizens' Advice Bureau. I found recently they knew exactly how to fill in a form to get the outcome they wanted. Similarly they know about appeals.

 

[stanleypj]

This is a good suggestion from SouWester. In my experience, knowing who is likely to help you in a particular situation is very important. In this case, CAB may be very helpful. As ever TP can often point you in the right direction.

 

[Helly68]

As it is the CCG at issue, there is also a national organisation called Health Watch, like the old Community Health Councils - who may be able to help. Might be worth asking for the CCGs CHC policy - especially if you suspect they haven't followed the proper process

 

[Angelcakes]

Thank you for your helpful suggestions. I'll look into all of these. I'm also going to consult a solicitor who specialises in this. Just seems so unfair when it's very difficult to get through the DST in the first place and the rules say that the CCG can only reject their recommendation in exceptional circumstances which clearly don't apply here. Very frustrating and upsetting when this is such a vulnerable person and the CCG just seem to do what they want!