Continuing healthcare score checker

The NHS scores 12 areas of care in the assessment, called the Decision Support Tool. Enter the level each area was given, and the level you believe the care records show. The checker tells you whether either set meets the national threshold.

Private: this runs in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere.

The rule in the national guidance

The guidance says a clear recommendation of eligibility would be expected where there is:

Priority in any one of the four areas that have that level (breathing, behaviour, drug therapies and medication, altered states of consciousness), or
Severe in two or more areas.

One severe need with needs in several other areas, or a number of high or moderate needs, may also show a "primary health need", depending on the combination. And the decision must look at the whole picture: the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of the needs. Well-managed needs are still needs.

Enter the levels

What to do with the result

Where you believe a level is too low, find dated examples in the care records that match the wording of the higher level in the assessment form. Useful records include daily care notes, incident and behaviour charts, falls logs, turning charts, food and fluid charts, and medication records.

Then put it in writing to the NHS area, area by area, with the dates. Our appeal guide sets out the steps, or join the waiting list for a free review.

For the middle result we use a rough rule: one severe level, or three or more high or moderate levels. The guidance itself gives no number for this.

This checker applies the thresholds in the national guidance. It is not a decision and not legal advice. The NHS must consider the whole picture, not only the levels.

Sources

Decision Support Tool guidance, paragraphs 31 (well-managed needs), 34 (the four characteristics) and 35 to 37 (thresholds)