If you choose to have an advocate, such as a non-practicing solicitor, represent you at an NHS continuing healthcare assessment this can be especially effective.
Even just acting in a mediatory role as an advocate, as we choose to do at Compass CHC, a non-practicing solicitor’s presence can ensure that the assessment guidelines are followed exactly as they should be.
We have encountered instances where the family have been informed that an advocate will not be allowed to attend an assessment. This is simply incorrect. NHS assessors may get defensive if you have an advocate, and may even try to convince you that they are not allowed to attend. This is also incorrect. To quote the NHS: “The individual should be given the opportunity to be supported or represented by a carer, family member, friend or advocate if they so wish.”
Therefore you have every right to have an advocate, such as a non-practicing solicitor, attend the assessment with you. If you want to maximise your chances of successfully securing funding at the earliest opportunity, we always advise instructing a solicitor or equivalent expert in the area of NHS continuing healthcare funding. The minimal fixed fee cost of hiring an expert advocate at Compass CHC will certainly pale against the total liability for care costs which could continue for many years.
If you have significant ongoing health needs we, at Compass CHC, can help you obtain NHS continuing healthcare funding. Complete our free, confidential assessment today and an expert member of our team will contact you for a no obligation discussion to outline your options.
Author: Tim Davies LLB
