Web article on role of clinicians on BASRiS process and support available

Doctors and nurses hold key to financial support for terminally ill patients

New resources are available to help doctors and nurses fulfil their vital role helping terminally ill patients get rapid access to financial support.

Scotland's Chief Medical Officer issued guidance directing clinicians to notify Social Security Scotland as soon as possible after a patient has been diagnosed as terminally ill, by completing a Benefits Assessment under Special Rules in Scotland (BASRiS) form.

This allows the agency to fast-track the patient through its system, ensuring they get the maximum amount of disability benefit they’re entitled to as quickly as possible.

The CMO guidance also sets out the definition of terminal illness used in the Scottish benefits system - which unlike the UK system - does not require a patient to have a fixed life expectancy.

Instead, a person is considered to be terminally ill if, in the clinical judgement of an appropriate healthcare professional, they have a progressive disease that can reasonably be expected to cause death.

Clinicians are legally required to take account of the guidance when deciding if their patient is terminally ill for the purposes of completing a BASRIS.

To support clinicians, Social Security Scotland has launched a new resource page that brings together all the guidance and tools they need in one place.

As well as the full CMO guidance, the page includes links to practical advice, FAQs, a flowchart to support decision-making and patient leaflets. It also includes a link to a webinar that explains the BASRIS process and definition of terminal illness used in the Scottish benefits system.

Doctors and nurses who need further support navigating the CMO guidance can call Social Security Scotland’s clinician’s helpline on 01382 931060. This line is only for healthcare professionals.

In-person and online information sessions on the BASRIS process are available from Social Security Scotland by emailing stakeholderengagement@socialsecurity.gov.scot.

Key links

Social Security Scotland’s terminal illness resource page: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/terminal-illness-resources

Chief Medical Officer’s Guidance - https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/cmo-2023-20.pdf

Clinical assessment of terminal illness - https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/cmo-2023-20.pdf#page=19

Online BASRIS form - https://basris.socialsecurity.gov.scot/ (can only be accessed on NHS device)