Understanding CHC in Devon
Devon presents a unique CHC landscape shaped by relentless demographic aging and persistent geographic inequality. The county is aging 15 years ahead of national trends. More than one in four residents is already 65+, but the real crisis arrives by 2040 when the 85+ population will nearly double. This is not a distant projection—it is already constraining NHS Devon's capacity. Assessment backlogs are likely to lengthen, yet cases with thorough documentation stand better chances of timely processing than those without.
What distinguishes Devon from other aging regions is the stark rural-urban divide. Coastal North Devon (Barnstaple, Ilfracombe), West Devon moorlands (Tavistock, Okehampton), and the South Hams are aging dramatically, yet simultaneously experiencing the steepest declines in care worker availability. Fuel poverty is acute in rural areas—heating costs are 30-40% higher than urban Devon. Poor housing and limited public transport compound isolation. For CHC applicants in these areas, rural deprivation is not merely a social circumstance; it is a documented barrier to accessing care, strengthening arguments that NHS-funded care is essential.
Staff recruitment and retention are in crisis across Devon. Adult social care workforce turnover in the independent sector reached 39.9% in 2021, versus 29% nationally. This means care home closures, reduced capacity, and unaffordable rates for those who cannot access NHS-funded care. For families navigating CHC, this context is powerful: there is literally no paid care available at any price in some rural postcodes. Frame CHC not as a luxury but as essential infrastructure because alternatives do not exist.
Devon's two major hospital trusts—Royal Devon University Healthcare (serving North and East Devon with major sites at Wonford [Exeter] and Barnstaple) and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (serving the coast and moorlands)—are both stretched. Both trusts operate extensive networks of community hospitals. For CHC applicants, engaging directly with consultant teams at these trusts early in assessment can strengthen the multidisciplinary team input. However, expect delays; the trusts are under severe pressure.
CHC approval statistics for Devon
Standard-route assessments, 12 months to June 2026. How we calculate this
Approval rate
16.0%
National average: 17.7%
Assessments completed
2,040
326 found eligible
England ranking
20 of 36
17th highest approval rate of 36 ICBs
Currently receiving CHC
814
37.9 per 50,000 adults
Local resolution requests
20
0 changed to eligible (0.0%)
Year-on-year change
+1.1pp
vs the previous 12 months
How Devon compares — 12 months to June 2026
Quarterly approval rate, last 12 quarters
Individual quarters move for reasons unrelated to how an ICB assesses — a backlog cleared in one period can swing the rate sharply. The 12-month figure above is the more reliable measure.
Ranked 20 of 36 ICBs on the 12-month rate · Source: NHS England
What this means
Devon's 16.0% approval rate over the last 12 months sits broadly in line with the national average of 17.7% — roughly 1 in 6 people assessed through the standard route receives a positive decision. The evidence presented at the DST assessment remains the single most important factor within a family's control.
See how every ICB compares: the CHC approval rate ranking for all 36 ICBs.
How to apply for CHC funding in Devon
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is assessed and funded by your local Integrated Care Board. If you live in the Devonarea, here's what you need to know.
Step 1: Request a CHC screening
You can request a CHC Checklist screening at any time — in hospital, at home, or in a care home. Contact your GP or the Devon CHC team on 01626 357820 to start the process.
Step 2: The Checklist assessment
A healthcare professional will complete the CHC Checklist with you. If you score positively on two or more domains (or one domain at "priority" level), you'll be referred for a full assessment.
Step 3: The full Decision Support Tool assessment
A multidisciplinary team will carry out a comprehensive assessment using the Decision Support Tool (DST). This evaluates your needs across 12 care domains.
Advocacy tips for Devon
These tips are specific to applying for CHC in the Devon area.
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If you live in rural North or West Devon, emphasize isolation as a health factor. Document travel distances to assessment appointments, nearest hospital, nearest care home, and nearest community services. Show how rural deprivation creates care complexity that families cannot manage alone.
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Reference Devon's aging crisis: 25% already 65+, 85+ population doubling by 2040. Acknowledge that assessment backlogs are likely; ensure your documentation is exceptionally thorough and submitted early. Do not expect quick processing.
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Highlight workforce shortage. With adult social care turnover at 39.9%, formal care is unavailable in many rural areas. If you've tried and failed to find paid care, document this. Frame CHC as essential because no alternative exists.
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For heating and housing, if applicant lives in fuel-poor rural area, connect poor housing quality to worsening health. Cold homes exacerbate respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions, and mobility issues. Include this in your DST evidence.
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Engage specialists from Royal Devon Trust (Wonford/Barnstaple) or Torbay & South Devon early. Request detailed assessments from relevant consultants. Rural applicants particularly benefit from strong specialist input because community practitioners may have limited expertise.
Hospital trusts in Devon
These are the main NHS trusts whose patients may be assessed for CHC in this area. If your relative is being discharged from one of these hospitals, ask the ward about CHC screening.
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford), North Devon District Hospital (Barnstaple), Community hospitals across Northern and Eastern Devon
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Torbay Hospital, Dawlish Cottage Hospital, Dartmouth Community Hospital, Nine community hospitals from Dawlish to Dartmouth
Contact Devon
Phone
01626 357820Website
Visit website →Address
Sherborne House, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2PF (Torbay & South Devon) / Aperture House, Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 5AZ (Northern & Eastern Devon)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Devon aging so much faster than the rest of England?
Devon is aging 15 years ahead of national trends. More than 1 in 4 residents are 65+, and the 85+ population will nearly double by 2040. Between 2020-2040, the 65-84 population grows 27%, vs. 15% nationally. This creates unprecedented CHC demand and likely assessment backlogs. Ensure your application is thorough and submitted early.
We live in rural North Devon and cannot find paid care. How does this help our CHC case?
Rural North Devon (Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Torridge) experiences severe care worker shortages—workforce turnover reached 39.9% in the independent sector. Document your attempts to find paid care and the lack of availability. Frame CHC as essential because no alternative exists: family support is unsustainable, and paid care is unavailable at any price.
My relative lives in poor housing and struggles with heating costs. Is this relevant to CHC?
Yes. Rural and coastal Devon experience acute fuel poverty and poor housing. Cold homes exacerbate respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions, and mobility issues. Connect poor housing quality to worsening health. Include this in your DST evidence: poor housing contributes to health complexity and justifies additional care support.
What should I do if my assessment takes longer than 28 days?
NHS Devon should complete assessments within 28 days of referral. If assessment extends beyond this and you're found eligible, NHS Devon must backdate funding to cover costs incurred during the delay. Document all communication and service provision dates. Given Devon's demographic pressures, delays are likely—escalate in writing if the 28-day window is exceeded.