Understanding CHC in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire underwent a significant policy reform in late 2024–early 2025. A new West Yorkshire Continuing Care Choice and Equity Commissioning Policy was approved by the ICB in November 2024, which affects CHC assessment procedures. This is important: the new policy applies primarily to Bradford District, Craven, and Leeds; Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield retain their older policies (for now). Families should ask their place team which policy applies to their case, as assessment standards may vary by location.
In February 2025, West Yorkshire rolled out a new digital CHC platform (IEG4) aimed at streamlining the all-age continuing care assessment process. The platform is intended to improve transitions from children's to adult CHC, but early teething issues may cause delays. If you're referred in early 2025, expect some digital disruption — document any system errors or missed communications, as these may support complaints if assessment is delayed.
Leeds is England's largest city outside London and hosts three major hospital trusts. CHC referral volumes in Leeds are high and complex. Hospital discharge screening is generally robust due to Leeds Teaching Hospitals' size and expertise, but the volume sometimes creates backlogs. If you're discharged from Leeds Teaching, request written CHC screening confirmation within 48 hours.
Bradford and Craven face distinct challenges due to high rates of deprivation, multicultural populations with varied health beliefs, and a concentration of older care home residents. CHC assessment here sometimes takes longer due to the need for cultural-sensitive communication and complex family involvement. Families should ensure evidence is available in accessible languages if needed — the ICB is obliged to provide translation.
CHC approval statistics for West Yorkshire
Source: NHS England official CHC statistics, 2024/25 · Rank 19 of 36 ICBs in England
Standard approval rate
18.1%
National avg: 19.5%
Assessments completed
2,160
392 found eligible
Fast-track approved
6,752
of 6,752 fast-track assessments
Local review requests
72
22.2% changed to eligible
Currently receiving CHC
2,787
Snapshot Q3 2025/26
England rank
19 / 36
1 = lowest approval rate
How West Yorkshire compares — 2024/25
Three-year approval rate trend
National average: 19.5% in 2024/25 · Source: NHS England
What this means
West Yorkshire's 18.1% approval rate sits broadly in line with the national average of 19.5%. Roughly 1 in 6 people assessed receives a positive decision via the standard route. The quality of evidence presented at the DST assessment remains the single most important factor within families' control.
How to apply for CHC funding in West Yorkshire
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is assessed and funded by your local Integrated Care Board. If you live in the West Yorkshirearea, 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 West Yorkshire CHC team on 01924 317659 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 West Yorkshire
These tips are specific to applying for CHC in the West Yorkshire area.
action
Confirm which policy applies to your case: the new 'Choice and Equity' policy (Bradford, Craven, Leeds) or the older policy (Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield). Ask your place team directly. Different policies may mean different assessment standards.
action
If you're assessed via the new digital platform (IEG4, launched Feb 2025), expect potential system teething issues. Document any digital communication failures or missing records — these support complaints if assessment is delayed.
action
For Leeds cases, request written CHC screening from Leeds Teaching Hospitals within 48 hours of hospital discharge. Discharge volumes are high — ensure you have written documentation.
action
For Bradford and Craven cases, ensure any communication barriers are addressed early. The ICB must provide translation and cultural-sensitive assessment. If language or cultural support is denied, escalate immediately.
action
Calderdale and Kirklees may have different assessment standards than Leeds/Bradford due to retention of older policies. If you're spanning these areas, confirm which team manages your case and which policy applies.
Hospital trusts in West Yorkshire
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.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
St James University Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary, Seacroft Hospital
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke's Hospital
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Calderdale Royal Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Pinderfields Hospital, Downtowne Hospital (Dewsbury)
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
Airedale Hospital
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Harrogate Hospital
Contact West Yorkshire
Phone
01924 317659Website
Visit website →Address
NHS West Yorkshire ICB, Wellington House, 40 East Parade, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1HB
Frequently asked questions
How do I contact the CHC team in West Yorkshire?
Call 01924 317659 (9am-5pm weekdays) or email wyicb-contactus@nhs.net. West Yorkshire is divided into five places: Leeds, Bradford District and Craven, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield. Provide your postcode to confirm which team handles your case.
What is the new West Yorkshire Continuing Care policy?
A new 'Choice and Equity' policy was approved in November 2024 and applies to Bradford, Craven, and Leeds. Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield retain older policies for now. Assessment standards may vary. Ask your place team which policy applies to you.
What is the IEG4 digital platform and how does it affect me?
IEG4 is a new digital platform launched in February 2025 to manage all-age continuing care assessments. It's designed to improve the transition from children's to adult CHC. Early teething issues are possible — if you experience digital communication problems or missing records, document them as they may support complaints.
Are assessment standards different across West Yorkshire's five places?
Yes, partly. Bradford, Craven, and Leeds are subject to the new 'Choice and Equity' policy; Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield retain older policies. Assessment rigour may vary. If you're rejected and a similar case in another place was approved, you have grounds to challenge this inconsistency.