A QUARTER of Dorset adults with ongoing health needs were denied free NHS care over the summer, figures show.

Adults requiring care and support outside hospital settings can apply for a free package of care known as NHS Continuing Healthcare.

The fully-funded support covers a person's care and residential accommodation, but is only available to those who are determined as having particularly complex or unpredictable needs following an assessment by health professionals.

Age UK said the CHC system is "grossly unfair" on older people and their families, with patients denied the free support facing enormous care bills which it says should be paid by the Government.

NHS England figures show that 379 fast-track or standard assessments were completed in the NHS Dorset CCG area between July and September, with 74 per cent (281) deemed eligible.

When a person's health is rapidly deteriorating – and when they are considered to be approaching the end of their life – they may be allowed fast-tracked CHC care.

All 244 fast-track applications were granted in Dorset over the three-month period, but just 27 per cent (37) of the 135 standard applications were granted.

Age UK said "chronic underfunding" means CHC is struggling to support older people with the greatest health needs, and that local variation is becoming more pronounced.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "This situation is grossly unfair on older people and their families, especially those with no one to speak up on their behalf.

"They can end up paying enormous care bills which should have been the responsibility of the state.

"The legal battles over this can go on for years, way beyond a person's death, leaving a really bad taste in the mouth for the families left behind."

To qualify for funding, a patient's care requirements must be primarily for healthcare, rather than social or personal.

A spokesperson for NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said “Any claim that care is denied to those who need it, is not accurate.

“Assessments are undertaken for many individuals and families who need support which is right and proper; those who are assessed as having primary health need against the National NHSE Continuing Healthcare Framework will be eligible for NHS funding for their health and social care needs.

“Where a primary health need is not identified, support is still available through existing NHS and social care services.”