National Information Advice Service for NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS England is holding a Market Engagement session on 5th September 2017 at 12 noon BST. Please confirm you attendance by emailing the enclosed address. You will then be sent joining instructions.

NHS England wishes to appoint a suitably qualified provider, in the field of NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC). The contract will provide a national advice and information service for patients who are undergoing assessment, or have been assessed, for NHS CHC. Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are the responsible bodies delivering NHS CHC to individuals, in accordance with the Department of Health's National Framework for NHS CHC (including the Operating Model). A core component of the Operating Model is to provide consistency and improve the individual and family experience of NHS CHC.

The service was launched as a pilot in 2015 and has seen an exponential growth in the number of patients and health care staff seeking advice and guidance:

• 38,000 visits to the information on the website;
• 2,200 comprehensive written guides sent out to individuals;
• 8,500 telephone consultations; and
• 1,400 written consultations (web portal and email).

The type of advice includes

• understanding of the complex operational patient pathways; and
• detailed understanding of guidance & legislation for CHC.