Rights-to-care guidance out

The launch of the long-awaited continuing care guidance was due
this week as Community Care went to press.

It is understood that the document fails to provide national
definitions of health and social care, but could include a right of
appeal against referral from a free NHS bed to a community care
facility.

Managers and campaigners will be keen to analyse the strength of
the proposed appeal process, and any new duties on health
authorities.

Age Concern is pressing for universal definitions of health
care, and for a national debate on the responsibilities of the NHS
for long-term health care.