Marie Curie and Dorset CCG: the right care at the right time

In Dorset, we have been commissioned to design care packages for patients eligible for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Fast Track funding.

Those eligible for such funding will be deteriorating quickly, and may be approaching the end of their lives.

Our expert Marie Curie Seniors Nurses assess their needs – and those of their families and carers – and make sure exactly the right care is in place at the right time.

The challenge: help needed to process funding applications

Assessing applications for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Fast Track funding is a sensitive process which needs to be completed quickly but expertly.

With an ageing population growing faster than the national average, Dorset CCG identified a need for more support in reviewing such applications and designing care which met patients’ needs.

The solution: Marie Curie Nurses review all applications

We have been commissioned to manage the CHC Fast Track funding process in Dorset.

Marie Curie Seniors Nurses review all applications, and use their expertise to design a care package tailored to the needs of the individual and their families and carers.They review patients’ needs regularly to make sure the right care is being provided at the right time.

We have also been commissioned to deliver expert care to patients at home.

Marie Curie Healthcare Assistants – all of whom have specialist training in end of life care – are available to offer support through a flexible combination of daytime, evening and overnight visits. That includes supporting families, friends and carers.

The outcome: the right care for patients, quickly

We have reduced pressure on local district nursing teams, and helped ensure patients quickly get the right care for their needs.

In 2016/17, 93% of the CHC Fast Track patients who received Marie Curie nursing care died in the place of their choice.