Can fast-track funding be withdrawn?

In this article, we explore NHS Fast-Track funding and whether it can be withdrawn. Fast-track funding is designed to provide rapid NHS Continuing Healthcare support for people with urgent health needs, but it isn’t always permanent. We explain when fast-track funding can be withdrawn, why this might happen, and what happens if someone’s care package is reassessed.

Firstly, it is important to know what fast-track funding is before we go into details about withdrawals. Fast-track funding is designed to provide quick financial support for people with urgent or rapidly deteriorating needs. It is commonly used when an individual’s condition is worsening or rapidly deteriorating, and delayed support could further endanger their health. Fast-track assessments are designed to be completed quickly, without the usual, sometimes lengthy, eligibility process.

Yes, fast-track funding can be withdrawn, but only under specific circumstances and following a proper review.

Fast-track funding is intended to provide immediate NHS Continuing Healthcare support for people with urgent or rapidly deteriorating needs. While it is often put in place quickly, this doesn’t mean that it is automatically permanent.

Once a care package is established, the NHS may want to conduct a further review to confirm that the person remains eligible and meets the criteria for full CHC eligibility.

Funding may be withdrawn if, once the review is complete, the individual is found not to have a primary health need anymore. This might happen if their condition stabilises or improves. However, withdrawal should not be sudden, and the NHS will ensure it is conducted fairly and in a timely manner.

Fast-track funding may be withdrawn after an additional review if the NHS decides the person no longer meets the criteria for NHS Continuing Healthcare. This usually happens when:

Condition has stabilised – The person is no longer rapidly deteriorating, or their condition has stabilised or improved.

Needs have changed significantly – If the person no longer meets the threshold for NHS-funded care, as their needs have changed in a significant way.

Incorrect fast-track decision initially – If the fast-track decision was initially made incorrectly. This is rare, but it can happen in some cases.

Fast-track funding cannot legally be withdrawn under certain circumstances. There are strict rules that must be followed to ensure people with urgent needs are protected and receive the appropriate care. Fast-track funding should not be removed when the following are true:

• The person is still deteriorating or unstable
• The individual still has urgent, complex or worsening needs
• Funding is reviewed solely because the person has lived longer than expected
• If the individual survives beyond the initial prognosis
• When no review has taken place
• Without a formal, lawful review of the person’s current needs
• Care arrangements would be reduced without a safe alternative in place
• If the removal of funding leaves the person without the appropriate support
• The original fast-track decision was correctly made, and the needs have not materially changed
• If the person’s health needs remain broadly the same, the funding should continue.

If fast-track funding is withdrawn following a review, the NHS has to ensure that the individual’s care continues safely and without interruption. The removal of funding shouldn’t leave the individual without the appropriate support. In most cases, the following steps will take place after funding is withdrawn.

• Alternative funding arrangements are put in place, such as local authority social care funding, NHS-funded nursing care, or a combination of services
• A care and support assessment is carried out to determine the most appropriate ongoing package
• Responsibility for funding may transfer to the local council, depending on the person’s needs and financial circumstances
• Existing care arrangements are usually maintained during the transition to avoid any gaps in care.

As discussed above, there can be a multitude of reasons why funding might be withdrawn, but if you feel the funding decision is wrong or unfair, then you have the right to challenge or appeal it. In many cases, withdrawals are successfully disputed, so knowing the steps to follow is important.

Here at Compass CHC, we are on hand to help handle appeals and confusion around funding and below are the steps we would follow to help you receive a clear answer.

• Ask for the decision in writing – Request a clear explanation of why fast-track funding has been withdrawn, including the evidence used to support the decision
• Check whether a proper review took place – Funding should not be removed without a lawful review of current needs. If the process was rushed, incomplete, or poorly explained, this can form strong grounds for challenge
• Request a full continuing healthcare assessment – If fast-track funding is withdrawn, the NHS should consider eligibility for standard NHS Continuing Healthcare
• Challenge the decision through the NHS appeals process – This usually involves a local resolution stage with the Integrated Care Board (ICB). If the issue is not resolved, it can be escalated further
• Gather supporting evidence – Gathering evidence and paperwork, like up‑to‑date medical reports, care notes, risk assessments, and professional opinions, can all help demonstrate that a primary health need still exists.

If you need help with a funding withdrawal or just want to discuss continuing healthcare funding in more detail, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.

How long does fast-track funding last before review?

Fast-track funding does not usually have a fixed time limit, but it is typically reviewed within the first three months of implementation.

Can an Integrated Care Board remove fast-track funding without reassessing the person?

No, an Integrated Care Board should not remove fast-track funding without reassessing the person.

What happens if fast-track funding is stopped but needs are still high?

If fast-track funding is stopped but the person’s health and care needs remain high, support should not simply end. If funding is removed, the individual should be reassessed for standard NHS Continuing Healthcare and funding or care arrangements should not stop abruptly while reassessment is underway.

Is fast-track different from standard NHS Continuing Healthcare?

Fast-track is a separate pathway within NHS Continuing Healthcare, designed for people with urgent or rapidly deteriorating health needs who require immediate support. Fast-track funding can usually be organised within 48 hours of completing the Fast-Track Pathway Tool.

Who makes the decision to withdraw fast-track funding?

The decision to withdraw fast-track funding is made by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) responsible for commissioning NHS Continuing Healthcare in the person’s area.