In the absence of “exceptional circumstances” a failure to notify the PCT of a claim will result in cases being no longer eligible for assessment.

It is really important that claims are registered now.

Where a person’s primary need is a “health need”, they are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare.  In such circumstances the NHS is responsible for providing all of that individuals assessed needs including accommodation if that is part of the overall requirement.  It is  a basic tenet of the NHS that all medical and nursing services are provided free of charge at the point of need.  This will include the nursing care of those resident in a nursing home.  If defined as being “health needs” then ALL the services supplied are free at the point of use without any means assessment.

The clear message is notify now or lose the claim.

Paula Nash is a Clinical negligence and community care solicitor with Moore Blatch Solicitors based in their Southampton Office