After a CHC refusal
Find out whether you have real grounds to challenge a CHC decision before paying for full appeal preparation.
CareAdvocate now uses a staged appeal pathway. We start with a written Grounds of Appeal Assessment, then route you to the right next step: evidence refresh, Local Resolution preparation, IRP preparation, complaints guidance, or no-action advice.
Appeal fit
The right response depends on why the decision failed.
A refusal does not automatically mean a full appeal pack is the right purchase. Some cases need more evidence first. Some need Local Resolution. Some are already at IRP. Some should be paused.
Evidence refresh
When the refusal may be premature because key records, daily notes, or clinical evidence are missing.
Local Resolution
When there is an arguable challenge to the ICB decision and the first appeal stage is still open.
IRP preparation
When Local Resolution has upheld the refusal and the case is ready for NHS England review.
Complaint or no-action advice
When the problem is process, evidence access, or a weak case rather than a strong appeal route.
Product pathway
One commercial journey, four controlled stages.
The Grounds of Appeal Assessment protects families from buying the wrong thing. Preparation stages unlock only when they fit the paperwork, evidence, and deadline.
Grounds of Appeal Assessment
£147
Mandatory first step. Diagnoses whether appeal, evidence refresh, complaint, or no action is right.
View stage Step 2Local Resolution Preparation Pack
From £749
Full written challenge structure only after grounds show Local Resolution is appropriate.
View stage Step 3IRP Bundle Upgrade
From £599
Focused escalation bundle after Local Resolution has upheld a refusal.
View stage Step 4Appeal Review Call
From £350
Optional coaching call after written work, not a replacement for the assessment.
View stageBest for
- Families who have received a negative DST, eligibility, Local Resolution, or IRP-related decision.
- People who suspect domains were under-scored, evidence was ignored, or “well-managed needs” was applied incorrectly.
- Time-pressured families who need to know whether Local Resolution, IRP, evidence refresh, or a complaint is the right route.
Not for
- Families who need a solicitor to advise on litigation or judicial review.
- Families who want someone to attend meetings or represent them at a panel.
- Cases where no records or decision paperwork are available yet.
What you receive
Written clarity before the next high-stakes step.
The product is deliberately practical: it tells you what is arguable, what is missing, and what route is proportionate.
A clear written view on whether the decision appears challengeable.
The strongest grounds to focus on, including scoring, process, and evidence issues.
A recommended route: Local Resolution, IRP, evidence refresh, complaint, or no-action guidance.
Credit towards preparation if you go on to a full written appeal pack.
How it works
A controlled process, not a generic appeal template.
We diagnose the failure mode first
A refusal can be wrong because evidence was missing, domain scores were too low, the process was unfair, or the wrong route was chosen. Those need different responses.
You get a stop/go recommendation
If the case is not ready for appeal, we say so and explain what would need to change before spending more money.
Preparation only happens when it fits
Full Local Resolution or IRP preparation is only the next step when the paperwork and evidence support that route.
What to have ready
- The negative CHC decision letter and completed DST, Checklist, or review outcome.
- Any Local Resolution or IRP correspondence already received.
- Care records, daily notes, medication charts, assessments, and family observations that were not properly considered.
- A short timeline of what happened and any deadlines you have been given.
Start safely
Do not pay for full appeal preparation until the grounds are clear.
The staged route is designed for anxious, time-pressured families who need a clear answer before spending more money.
Full Local Resolution and IRP preparation are only offered after the grounds assessment shows that route makes sense.
How your appeal papers and medical records are protected
Appeal work can involve decision letters, care records, clinical notes, and family statements. We keep the reassurance close to the purchase decision because these documents are sensitive.
- Medical records are stored in AWS London and processed in UK/EU regions.
- Files are encrypted at rest and transferred over HTTPS.
- Access is limited to the reviewer handling your case.
- Medical records and case data are normally deleted 90 days after report delivery.
- Your medical data is not sold, shared for advertising, or used to train public AI models.
Common questions
Is this full appeal preparation?
No. The pathway starts with a Grounds of Appeal Assessment. Full preparation comes later only if the assessment shows a sensible appeal route.
Can you represent us at a meeting or panel?
No. CareAdvocate prepares written documents, evidence arguments, and meeting guidance. We do not provide legal advice, solicitor services, representation, or panel attendance.
What if the problem is missing evidence?
Then the written recommendation will usually point you towards evidence refresh or record gathering first, rather than paying for an appeal pack too early.