CHC, put simply.
6 Red Flags That May Indicate a Primary Health Need
Some needs are more likely to raise questions about whether a person may have a Primary Health Need.
A reminder
No diagnosis that guarantees CHC
No automatic eligibility
No pass mark
These red flags are simply examples of needs that are often associated with more complex healthcare requirements. The whole picture always matters.
Examples
- Difficulty swallowing food or fluids
- Risk of choking
- Modified diets
- Thickened fluids
- Assistance with eating and drinking
- Risk of aspiration pneumonia
Why this matters
Swallowing difficulties can create significant health risks and often require specialist assessment, monitoring and interventions.
Examples
- Grade 3 or Grade 4 pressure ulcers
- Multiple wounds
- Complex dressings
- Frequent repositioning
- Specialist mattresses
- Risk of skin breakdown
Why this matters
Complex skin needs may require skilled care, frequent monitoring and ongoing clinical decision making.
Examples
- Frequent infections
- Repeated hospital admissions
- Rapid deterioration
- Unstable symptoms
- Fluctuating health conditions
- Changing care needs
Why this matters
Unpredictable health needs may increase risks and require close monitoring.
Examples
- Distress due to dementia
- Aggression related to illness
- Severe anxiety
- Resistance to care
- Behaviour that increases risks to self or others
Why this matters
Behaviour is not assessed in isolation. Professionals consider the causes, associated risks and support required.
Examples
- Multiple medications
- Drugs requiring monitoring
- Complex pain management
- Frequent medication changes
- High risk side effects
- Specialist oversight
Why this matters
Some medication regimes require skilled monitoring and ongoing clinical decision making.
Examples
- Unable to mobilise independently
- Hoist transfers
- Dependent for personal care
- Frequent repositioning
- Clinical monitoring
- High levels of care throughout the day and night
Why this matters
Where dependency is combined with significant healthcare needs, professionals may need to consider whether responsibility rests with the NHS.
Important
These red flags do NOT automatically mean:
"You qualify for CHC."
Their absence does NOT automatically mean:
"You do not qualify."
Every CHC decision should consider:
Nature
Intensity
Complexity
Unpredictability
And ask:
Does this person have a Primary Health Need?
The most important thing to remember
CHC is not about a diagnosis.
It is not about a score.
It is not about where someone lives.
It is about understanding the whole picture and deciding:
Who is responsible for meeting these needs?
That answer is called:
A Primary Health Need.
CHC Clarity · CHC, put simply.