Individuals who have a rapidly deteriorating condition or are entering the final months of life may require ‘fast-tracking’ for immediate support of NHS continuing healthcare. This is care funded and arranged by the NHS.
Fast track allows a clinician (which can be a doctor or a nurse) with appropriate knowledge of the patient to immediately assess that they should receive Fast Track-funding for the care needs.
Fast-track applications can also be made by clinicians working in the voluntary sector that specialise in end of life care (for example, local hospices). The fast-track pathway tool consists of a description of rapidly deteriorating care needs to be written in the tool, it is accompanied with a consent form and care prescription. Dependent on the care being requested, there are two forms of care prescription. One for receiving care at the individual’s own home or the second care prescription requesting a nursing home placement.
How CHC works
The fast-track pathway tool for the NHS Continuing Healthcare care package is aimed to be put into place as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours of receiving a fast-track application.
The fast-track pathway tool can be used in any setting. This includes where such support is required for individuals who are already in their own home or are in a care home and wish to remain there. It could also be used in other settings, such as hospices.
The completed fast-track pathway tool should be supported by a prognosis, where available. This referral is made on the online referral portal by completing it in webforms as an online application, with the consent and care prescription uploaded. Please ensure the care prescription is completed as a word document.
Further resources:
Fast-track pathway tool for NHS continuing healthcare guidance