How the Fast Track referral process works
With your consent, a clinician will complete the Fast Track Pathway Tool to confirm that you need immediate NHS Continuing Healthcare. A member of your healthcare team should explain why the referral is being made and ask about your care preferences, such as whether you would prefer care at home or in a nursing home.
They will also complete clinical assessment. This and the Fast Track documents are sent to the ICB Continuing Healthcare team who will arrange urgent care if you meet the criteria.
The team will try to arrange care in your preferred place where possible. If your preferred place is a care or nursing home, it will need to be with a provider that is approved by the ICB and registered with the Care Quality Commission.
The ICB aims to have care in place within 48 hours where this is reasonably possible. We will keep you updated about whether we can achieve this or not.
Once Fast Track funding is in place we will send written confirmation to you or your representative.
Paying for your care
The NHS care package provided should meet your health and associated social care needs as identified in the Fast Track Pathway Tool and clinical assessment. You will not have to pay for your care provided under the Fast Track package.
Any benefits you currently received may be affected once you are in receipt of NHS Continuing Healthcare. We advise you discuss this with the Department for Work and Pensions who will be able to provide further information. The helpline telephone number is 0800 731 0469.
Reviews of Fast Track funding
Fast Track funding is not permanent. It is reviewed to make sure your care continues to meet your needs.
- The ICB Continuing Healthcare team will carry out an initial review.
- Your care may be changed if your needs have changed.
- If your condition has stabilised, it may be appropriate to reassess your eligibility for Fast Track funding.
Your funding may change depending on the outcome of these reviews.
If you no longer meet the Fast Track criteria but still need ongoing care, you may need to pay for some or all of your care. Your local authority can advise you about this.
What happens during a reassessment
If a reassessment is needed, a member of the ICB Continuing Care team will contact you to arrange a Decision Support Tool meeting. This usually takes place where you are receiving care.
The meeting may involve:
- you
- your family or representative (if you want them involved)
- staff from your care provider
- other healthcare professionals involved in your care
Opting out of the Fast Track pathway
You can choose not to use the Fast Track pathway. It is designed to put care in place quickly, but if you prefer to keep your current arrangements – such as being supported by family – you can opt out.
If your situation changes later, a new fast track referral can be made at any time.