Continuing care for children with complex health needs

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Continuing Care describes bespoke health and care packages delivered by the NHS to children and young people (aged 0-18) with complex health needs which cannot otherwise be met with local universal or specialist services. Children and young people eligible to receive Continuing Care will have very complex, intense, unpredictable health needs or behaviours which may pose a risk to themselves or to others.

Eligibility will be assessed by a Children's Community Nurse who will follow a Decision Support Tool. This uses standard criteria to rate level of need in each of 10 Care Domains. Levels of need in this assessment range from "low" to "severe" and "priority". More information on this process can be found in the Department for Health's "National Framework for Children and Young People's Continuing Care".

If your child or young person is approved for Continuing Care, a tailored care package will be drawn-up and put in place. You will be able to have your say in how your child's needs are met and agree this with professionals. 

Professionals working with your child will normally advise you if they believe your child would benefit from a Continuing Care package. However, you can also request an assessment yourself by talking with your local Children's Community Nursing Team. To get the contact details, search for your local Continuing Care service on the Local Offer.

For more information on Continuing Care please visit the service record page.

Page last reviewed: 20/02/2024

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