Care and support needs that must be met quickly, often due to their severity, or to what might happen if the needs are not met very soon.
For example, if a person’s condition deteriorates rapidly or they have an accident, they will need a rapid response to make sure their needs are met. In some cases, the appropriate response may be that the local council will meet the person’s needs. In other cases, an immediate referral may be the best way to meet a person’s urgent needs, for example by completing the NHS Continuing Healthcare Fast Track Pathway Tool.
Under section 19 of the Care Act 2014, local councils have the power to meet needs which appear to be urgent without having carried out a needs assessment, financial assessment or eligibility determination. This is so local councils can act quickly. It is a power, not a duty, so whether or not to act is a decision for the local council to make.
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