The IFR process
Should you wish to submit an IFR on behalf of your patient please refer to the IFR management policy, IFR decision making policy and exceptionality policy for further guidance and information regarding the process.
Please note: The ICB can only consider requests for funding for patients who are registered with a GP and reside within the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (LSC ICB) area. IFR applications for patients who reside outside of Lancashire and South Cumbria, please follow the relevant ICB IFR process. The LSC ICB Places are as follows:
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Blackpool
- Lancashire - Central
- Lancashire - East
- Lancashire - North
- South Cumbria
For LSC ICB patients only, please submit an online application via the link below:
https://nww.datixifr.midlandsandlancashirecsu.nhs.uk/live/index.php?form_id=4&module=COM
Alternatively, complete the IFR application form below and email to funding.requests@nhs.net from a secure email account, e.g. nhs.net.
IFR application form
Reconsidering an application that was not approved for funding
If an IFR application has been refused funding and the requesting clinician believes there is significant new clinical information that was not previously submitted, which may alter the decision not to fund treatment, then they may submit the information and request a reconsideration.
A request for a reconsideration of a decision will only be processed where there is new information relevant to the case to be considered. All reconsiderations must be submitted to the IFR team, using the designated reconsideration form. The application and the new information will then be reconsidered in line with the IFR process.
For patients who reside within the LSC ICB area, please complete the reconsideration form below.
Reconsideration application form
Appeals process
There is no statutory requirement for the ICB to hold appeals. However, in line with best practice, the ICB does allow an appeal to be made against the process that was followed to arrive at the decision.
All appeals must be made in writing using the appeals form and submitted to the IFR Team within 12 weeks of the decision. An appeal can be made by a clinician requesting the treatment. Where an appeal is submitted by a patient, this must have the full support of their clinician.
It must be noted that an appeal panel cannot overturn a decision which has been taken by the IFR panel.
For patients who reside within the LSC ICB area, please complete the appeals form below.
Appeals form
Individual Funding Request team contact details - clinicians only
Tel: 01782 916876
Email: funding.requests@nhs.net
If you are a patient and have an enquiry about an IFR application or the process please speak with your clinician in the first instance alternatively, please contact the customer service team.