NHS funded nursing care

NHS funded nursing care (FNC) is when the NHS pays for the nursing care component of nursing home fees. 

The NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home towards the cost of this nursing care.

Nursing care means input from and supervision by a registered nurse to devise and monitor care plans, provide and administer treatment such as injections, and carry out timely medical interventions.

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What NHS funded nursing care is

NHS-funded nursing care is a contribution paid by the NHS to cover nursing or medical care provided in a nursing home (a care home with registered nurses).

NHS funded nursing care is paid whether you’re paying for your own care, or your local authority or trust is paying for it. The NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home towards the cost of this nursing care. The same rate is paid across England. From April 2022 the rate was set at £209.19 a week (standard rate).

Who is eligible for NHS funded nursing care

You may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if:

  • you live in a care home registered to provide nursing care, and
  • you don't qualify for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse

How to get an assessment for NHS funded nursing care

You should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHS funded nursing care.

If you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided by registered nurses employed by the care home. Services provided by a registered nurse can include planning, supervising and monitoring nursing and healthcare tasks, as well as direct nursing care.

Further information 

NHS.UK has information on NHS funded healthcare and NHS continuing healthcare.

The Money Advice Service has an in-depth article on NHS funded nursing care, including information on what happens if your stay in a nursing home is only for a temporary period.

Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB) have information about NHS funded healthcare on their website, including advice for self-funders (those people receiving no financial support from the Council towards their care and support costs).