THE doctors’ organisation in Redditch and Bromsgrove is facing legal action over claims of discriminatory Continuing Healthcare policies says the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The Commission has taken the first steps in a judicial review proceeding by issuing legal letters to 13 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), including Redditch & Bromsgrove CCG.
This follows an initial warning which highlighted concerns about NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) policies being unlawful and breaching the human rights of patients.
If the CCGs fail to provide evidence to demonstrate their policies are lawful, or do not take steps to review them, they will be taken to court.
The Commission has raised concerns about NHS CHC policies having arbitrary caps on funding and failing to consider the needs of individual patients.
Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “It is utterly unacceptable that anyone should be forced into residential care when they are healthy enough to live independently and with their families.”
A spokesperson for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG, said: “We’re aware of the letter and it’s currently being reviewed by our legal team.
“We won’t be able to comment any further.”
