MARK NICHOLLS Patients and carers across Norfolk who feel they may be entitled to claim back from the NHS money they paid for health care are being encouraged to submit their claims before the end of next month.

MARK NICHOLLS

Patients and carers across Norfolk who feel they may be entitled to claim back from the NHS money they paid for health care are being encouraged to submit their claims before the end of next month.

People who have paid for their own or a relative's long-term health care needs before 2004 and as far back as 1996 could be entitled to claim some or all of the monies back under the NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme, even if their initial claim had been refused.

Martin Langdon, Norfolk Primary Care Trust and Great Yarmouth and Waveney Primary Care Trust's lead for continuing healthcare, explained that since the 2003 report there had been around 550 claims received in Norfolk.

Out of these, 110 claims had been deemed legitimate, according to established criteria, and after extensive investigation.

He said that no claim was treated lightly and around 60 to 70 hours would be spent looking into each submission, to ensure people received what they were entitled to.

NHS Continuing Healthcare is where a person needs long-term care, and they have a primary health need, rather than mainly social or residential care.

Those who feel they have a legitimate restitution claim are being encouraged to submit these by November 30.

To make a claim, people should write to: Restitution Claims, Martin Langdon, Lead for Continuing Care, Kelling Hospital, High Kelling, Norfolk, NR25 6QA.