Clinical commissioning group did not follow correct process when it withdrew continuing care funding

What happened

D was 17 and was cared for at home by her mother. She received a jointly-funded package of care. However, after it reviewed her needs, the primary care trust (which was the responsible body at the time) recommended that she no longer remained eligible for NHS continuing care funding.

On this basis, Mrs P was told that funding for the health portion of D's care package would be withdrawn.

What we found

The PCT had not followed the proper process (set out in the National Framework for Children and Young People's Continuing Care) when it decided to withdraw D's funding.

Putting it right

The CCG (which inherited the case when the PCT ended) apologised for the failings we identified and paid Mrs P £250 for the injustice she had suffered.

We also recommended that the CCG retrospectively review D's eligibility for funding and give Mrs P a further decision. In addition, we asked the CCG to draw up an action plan identifying the action it intended to take to address the failings identified.