NHS continuing healthcare is a free package of care for people who have significant ongoing health needs. The NHS arrange and fund it.

Some children and young people, up to their 18th birthday, may have very complex health needs. These needs may be as a result of:

  • congenital conditions
  • disability
  • serious illness
  • serious injury

The needs may be so complex that they cannot be met by the normal services from the GP, hospitals or the community.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare your main or primary need for care must relate to your health. Your eligibility depends on your assessed needs and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.

Find out more about continuing healthcare.

How to apply

If you think your child could be eligible for Children and Young People's Continuing Care (CYPCC) support contact your community children's nurse or social worker for advice. They will make a referral to NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) if appropriate. Otherwise, please contact NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group on 01305 368065 for further guidance.

Find out more about CYPCC.

Share this page