Priorities for Community Care Provision

There are 4 levels of priority set, which are aimed at ensuring that everyone who asks for a service is dealt with fairly and in a timely fashion, depending on the urgency of your situation.

You will receive a letter of acknowledgement within 5 working days of receipt of your request.
The priorities are as follows: -

• Emergency
• High
• Medium
• Low

EMERGENCY

When you or your carer experiencing problems or difficulties that place you at unacceptable and immediate risk? For example:-

• A sudden or severe illness or marked deterioration in your condition
• The sudden illness or absence of your main carers
• Where abuse or neglect has occurred or is likely to occur
• There is a risk of an unplanned admission to hospital or care home if your needs are not met

Typical assessment response time 2 hrs - 24 hrs 

HIGH

Where you or your carers feel at serious risk in relation to daily living? For example: -

• Where your current situation cannot continue because of serious difficulties
  Where your essential daily personal care and nutritional needs are not being met

• Where the health of your main carer is at immediate risk
• Where you are in hospital and cannot be discharged until essential services have been arranged

Typical assessment response time 2 - 5 working days

MEDIUM

When you or your carers feel there is a moderate risk in relation to daily living? For example: -

• You have some difficulties in carrying out personal care tasks
• Your family or care network may require support and/or advice to maintain your situation at home
• Where rehabilitation services are needed to enable you to become more independent

Typical assessment response time 5 - 33 working days

LOW

• Where you or your carers' basic needs are being met and, you feel there is a low or no risk in relation to daily living, but where intervention could improve your quality of life

Typical response time 33 days or more

We carry out assessments defined as 'low priority' in the date order from which we receive them, unless you tell us about any significant changes in your circumstances.

If for any reason we are unable to meet the typical response times, you and the person who makes the referral will be informed of the reasons why we have been unable to meet the timescales and when you can expect an assessment.