CHC Clarity

CHC, put simply.

CHC Translator

NHS Continuing Healthcare is full of abbreviations, professional language and legal terms.

This page translates them into plain English.

No jargon. No complicated language. Just simple explanations.

Core

CHC

NHS Continuing Healthcare

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Plain English

Funding arranged and paid for by the NHS for people whose needs are mainly health needs.

Core

Primary Health Need

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Plain English

The most important question in CHC. Are this person's needs mainly health needs? If yes — the NHS is responsible.

Process

DST

Decision Support Tool

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Plain English

A meeting where professionals and family members discuss needs, organise evidence and consider whether someone has a Primary Health Need.

It is not a test. It is not a points system.

Process

Checklist

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Plain English

The first screening stage of CHC. It decides whether a full assessment should take place.

A positive Checklist does not mean someone is automatically eligible.

Core

NICU

Nature · Intensity · Complexity · Unpredictability

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Plain English

The four characteristics professionals consider when deciding whether someone has a Primary Health Need.

NICU

Nature

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Plain English

What are the person's needs? What support is required? How serious are they?

NICU

Intensity

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Plain English

How much support is needed? How often? How much care is required day to day?

NICU

Complexity

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Plain English

Do different needs interact? Do they make each other harder to manage?

NICU

Unpredictability

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Plain English

Could needs change suddenly? Is there a risk of rapid deterioration? Are there unexpected risks?

People

MDT

Multi-Disciplinary Team

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Plain English

A group of professionals from different backgrounds who discuss the person's needs and contribute to the CHC process.

May include: Nurses, Social Workers, Doctors, Therapists, Care home staff.

DST

Domain

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Plain English

The different areas of need considered within the DST.

For example: Mobility, Skin, Nutrition, Continence, Behaviour, Communication, Medication.

DST

Priority

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Plain English

The highest level of need within a domain.

Having a Priority may indicate eligibility — but CHC decisions should always consider the whole picture.

DST

Severe

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Plain English

A very high level of need within a domain.

There is no rule that says "Two Severe scores means automatic CHC." The overall needs must always be considered.

Legal

Well-Managed Needs

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Plain English

A person's needs do not disappear because they are being managed successfully.

The National Framework explains: well-managed needs remain needs.

Decision

Eligible

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Plain English

The NHS is responsible for arranging and funding the person's care.

Decision

Not Eligible

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Plain English

The person may still receive support from the Local Authority after a Care Act assessment.

Not being eligible for CHC does not mean someone has no care needs.

Tap any card to see the plain English translation.

Remember

CHC can sound complicated.

But most terms can be translated into one simple question:

Who is responsible for meeting these needs?

That is the heart of NHS Continuing Healthcare.

CHC Clarity · CHC, put simply.

Next: Common MythsReview: The CHC Journey