What are the benefits of choosing SRA solicitors over an unregulated claims company to deal with a CHC continuing healthcare claim?
When a loved one needs long‑term care, securing NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding can make a life‑changing difference. But CHC assessments and appeals are complex, evidence‑heavy, and often emotionally draining.
Consumers naturally turn to specialists to assist them with the process and can be drawn in by unregulated claims companies promising quick results or “guaranteed” funding. But CHC is a legal‑medical process — and choosing the wrong representative can cost families time, money, and the chance of securing the funding they deserve.
This article explains why Slee Blackwell Solicitors, a regulated law firm with specialist CHC expertise, offers far greater protection, accuracy, and success potential than any unregulated claims company.
CHC is a legal‑medical process where advice from a firm of solicitors can be crucial
CHC decisions turn on:
- legal definitions of a primary health need
- interpretation of the National Framework
- case law
- procedural fairness
- evidence weighting
- appeal rights
Slee Blackwell’s CHC team can provide
- accurate legal interpretation
- proper analysis of the Decision Support Tool
- identification of procedural errors
- strategic appeal planning
Slee Blackwell is fully regulated by the SRA — Claims companies are not
Slee Blackwell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This gives families a guarantee of:
- strict professional standards
- mandatory professional indemnity insurance
- regulated client‑care letters
- transparent fees
- a formal complaints process
- legal accountability
By contrast, unregulated claims companies operate with minimal oversight, so If something goes wrong, families have no legal protection.
Read our article on the benefits of dealing with SRA regulated solicitors for further details.
No hidden fees, no commission
Claims companies may:
- charge “admin fees”
- add cancellation charges
- upsell unnecessary services
Slee Blackwell offers:
- transparent, regulated fee structures, including fixed fee packages and No WIn No Fee.
- no hidden extras
- no unlawful percentage deductions
- clear written terms
Families know exactly what they will pay — and what they won’t.
Solicitors can challenge unlawful CHC decisions
CHC decisions can be unlawful if:
- the National Framework is misapplied
- evidence is ignored
- the wrong test is used
- the MDT is not properly constituted
- the CCG fails to follow procedure
As solicitors, we can:
- identify legal errors
- draft legal submissions
- escalate to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- challenge decisions through judicial review (where appropriate)
Better Protection for Vulnerable Clients
CHC claims often involve people suffering from:
- dementia
- stroke
- Parkinson’s
- end‑of‑life care
- complex behavioural needs
- severe cognitive impairment
Slee Blackwell is bound by:
- safeguarding duties
- confidentiality rules
- capacity assessments
- best‑interest obligations
Unregulated claims companies do not have the same obligations and are not accountable in the way that SRA solicitors are.
Proven track record of success in complex CHC cases and appeals
Slee Blackwell’s CHC team has experience in:
- complex neurological cases
- fast‑track funding
- retrospective claims
- unlawful withdrawals of funding
- high‑value backdated awards
- appeals involving procedural unfairness
You can read about some of our successes on this website, including:
- £170,000 care home fee rebate.
- £60,000 care home fee refund.
- Successful continuing healthcare funding appeal.
Stronger negotiation with NHS bodies
We believe that NHS bodies take solicitors more seriously because:
- solicitors understand the law
- they can escalate unlawfully handled cases
- they can challenge procedural breaches
- they can litigate if necessary
Contact us for a free consultation
If you require further information about our CHC services, then please get in touch with our five-star rated team*. Our experienced lawyers are here to help you secure the funding you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call 0333 888 0419 or email us at [email protected]
