FOI 1739 - Continuing Healthcare Fast Track

Response

Date: 3 February 2023

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – DECISION NOTICE

Dear Sir / Madam,

FOI Reference Number: 1739

Please note that the figures provided for January 2023 are not currently finalised and are still in progress.

The number of fast-track funding requests received by you each month in 2022/23:

[Please see letter response.]

The number of fast-track funding agreed each month:

[Please see letter response.]

The number agreed in the month excludes those where the Fast Track was no longer progressed due to various reasons, for example:
• the patient stayed on the hospital ward or admitted to hospice for end-of-life care.
• The care package was no longer required or was declined by the family as they were providing the care.

These figures also exclude the Fast Tracks that were rejected, as below.

The number rejected. The reasons rejected and the criteria applied:

[Please see letter response.]

Please see the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS funded Nursing Care July 2022 (Revised), which provides the criteria for Fast Track, starting on page 76. The document can be found at the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-framework-for-nhs-continuing-healthcare-and-nhs-funded-nursing-care#full-publication-update-history

The rejected figures above include those where the use of the Fast Track tool was not appropriate as the patient does not meet the criteria for a Fast Track.

The number of challenges to rejected fast track requests.

Not applicable; a Fast Track Pathway tool may not evidence that the criteria for a Fast Track has been met. Where it then becomes clear that the use of the Fast Track Pathway Tool was not appropriate, the clinician would be asked to submit a completed checklist (if required) for assessment of eligibility through other available funding streams. We do not therefore have any Fast Track requests that are challenged.

The number of successful repeals of rejected fast track decisions.

Not applicable.

I hope that this answers your queries with the information we currently hold, but if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your original letter and should be addressed to:

NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB
FOI Team
Scarsdale
Nightingale Close
Newbold
Chesterfield
S41 7PF

Or:

ddicb.foi@nhs.net

If you are not content with the outcome of our review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information Commissioners Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF, telephone 0303 123 1113, email casework@ico.org.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Kathryn Jacklin
FOI Officer
Derby and Derbyshire ICB

All information we have provided is subject to the provisions of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015. Accordingly, if the information has been made available for re-use under the Open Government Licence (OGL) a request to re-use is not required, but the licence conditions must be met. You must not re-use any previously unreleased information without having the consent from the ICB. Should you wish to re-use previously unreleased information then you must make your request in writing (email will suffice) to the FOI Lead via ddicb.foi@nhs.net. All requests for re-use will be responded to within 20 working days of receipt.