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The problems faced by disabled and elderly people in accessing NHS funding for long term care are highlighted in the Health Service Ombudsman's report NHS funding for long term care: follow up report.
The report is based on evidence gathered from almost 4,000 complaints received since the publication of the Ombudsman's first report in February 2003 and shows how, from the patient's point of view, applying for funding for long term care has been a lengthy hit and miss process.
Whilst welcoming the Department of Health's announcement (9 December 2004) that it will commission 'the development of a national consistent approach to assessment for fully funded NHS continuing care', the report outlines six key recommendations to the Department.
In terms of next steps the report highlights the need for clear and consistent national guidelines about who is eligible for funding; robust approaches to assessing need and the importance of ensuring that there are enough people in place with the right skills to undertake assessment at local level.
Press Notice
Department of Health announcement on NHS continuing care (9 December 2004)
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