How NHS Essex decides which treatments to fund
NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) receives a fixed budget to plan and pay for NHS services. Most treatments are funded based on national guidance, clinical evidence, and population need. This ensures NHS resources are used fairly and help as many people as possible.
However, some patients have needs that are not covered by existing commissioned services.
What is an individual funding request
An individual funding request is a formal request made by a healthcare professional. It asks NHS Essex to fund treatment that is not normally provided.
There are two types of individual funding request:
These apply where NHS Essex does not have an existing commissioning position for the treatment or condition.
These apply where a service exists, but the individual doesn’t meet the set criteria for receiving that treatment.
NHS Essex reviews each request using its funding policy. This helps ensure decisions are fair, consistent, and based on evidence.
Who can submit a request
Only a healthcare professional can submit a request. This is usually a consultant, or specialist involved in the patient’s care.
Patients cannot apply directly. However, your clinician will explain your options and discuss whether a request may be appropriate.
When NHS Essex may consider funding treatment
A clinician may submit a request if they believe the patient has exceptional clinical circumstances. This means the patient’s needs differ significantly from others with the same condition.
For example, the clinician must show that:
- the patient’s clinical situation is unusual
- standard treatments are not suitable because of the patient’s clinical situation
- the requested treatment is expected to improve the patient’s health
Therefore, NHS Essex considers each request carefully.
How decisions are made
The funding team first looks at whether the treatment is already available through an existing service. If not, and the request is for an individual case rather than something other people would also need, it may be reviewed by the Individual Funding Request Panel.
The panel includes healthcare professionals who consider clinical benefit, safety, value for money, affordability and fairness. An IFR cannot be used when the request would effectively introduce a new treatment for a wider group of people.
As a result, decisions remain fair and consistent.
What happens after a decision
The panel makes a decision based on clinical evidence and NHS policy. Your clinician will then inform you of the outcome and explain the next steps.
If approved, your care team will arrange treatment.
Individual funding request forms
Healthcare professionals can download the appropriate forms below:
- Non-drug funding request form
- Drug funding request form
Contact the funding team
Please note, we can answer general queries, but only clinicians can submit IFR applications.
- Email:
- [email protected]