Scottish Government investigation announced into false care charges

Figures showing a reduction in Continuing Health Care patients have led to an independent review being announced by Holyrood ministers, who are under pressure to show the NHS is fulfilling its obligations.

Designed to make sure that patients in need of specialist intensive care are not charged for services, the realities of an ageing population call into question why the number of service users would decrease.

The review is to be chaired by Past President of the Royal College of Physicians, Ian Anderson, who commented: “Having spent my working life in the NHS in Scotland I am delighted to have been invited to chair this independent review panel.

“It is absolutely vital that we treat all patients that need or might need NHS continuing care with compassion.

“The panel will take soundings from a wide range of care professionals, carers and the public in a bid to make the process easier for all individuals involved.”

Announcing the review, health secretary Alex Neil comments: “I have been very clear that if people are entitled to receive NHS Continuing Health Care in Scotland they will get it.

“This census shows a reduction in the number of NHS Continuing Health Care patients across Scotland. I am aware that many areas provide complex, joint packages of care to individuals with highly intensive needs at home, or in care home settings which would not be included in these figures.

“Even so, this reduction needs to be further investigated as does the variation in provision between Health Boards.

“That’s why I have called for an independent review panel to be established to investigate whether the guidance on NHS Continuing Health Care is being appropriately and consistently applied. I have asked Mr Anderson to report to me with his findings and recommendations later this year.”

Key components due for assessment include whether health professionals are taking a consistent approach to guidelines, whether staff and the general public need to be better informed of Continuing Health Care, and whether an independent appeals process should be put in place.

Image © Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body – 2012. Licensed under the Open Scottish Parliament Licence v1.0.