Carers hospital support and liaison
Carers – information to support you
A carer is anyone who helps to care for a friend or family member (usually unpaid) who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
We recognise the invaluable contribution that carers make to support patients visiting or staying in our hospitals and we are keen to establish a partnership approach between our people and family carers to help support loved ones.
What is the role of a family carer?
The role of a carer is very diverse and can cover a multitude of activities such as assisting someone to go to the toilet, helping them with washing or to get dressed and move around their home.
Carers can also undertake daily tasks such as shopping, cleaning, cooking, washing clothes, assisting with medication, managing money and taking people to appointments. The list is endless and if someone else depends on you to help them with tasks to support them in their day-to-day life, however small your contribution, you are a family carer.
The Family Carers' Passport and lanyard
We have developed a family carers’ passport and to ensure that family carers are recognised for the contribution they can make to help support patients whilst staying in hospital.
We recognise that when a friend or loved one, who is dependent on the care you provide to them at home, is admitted to hospital, that you may have concerns.
If you are helping a relative/friend who you provide carer support to, we can arrange for you to have a carer passport and lanyard which will:
- Enable staff to share details of care plans with you
- Give you access to concessions such as discounted parking and refreshments in the Alexandra Restaurant
- Unrestricted visiting times (when appropriate)
- Provide you with blankets and pillows if you find yourself needing to stay overnight unexpectedly
Whilst we recognise and encourage carers to support their friend/family member during their stay in hospital, it is important to remember that occasionally our ward staff may ask you to leave the bay/ward to maintain the privacy and dignity of other patients.
To apply for a family carers’ passport, please speak to the ward/department manager and they will be able to assist you.
Carer support useful contacts
The family carers team hold an information stand in the main foyer, opposite the pharmacy dispensary on the ground floor, Monday-Friday, from 1-2pm.
Please come along to see the team if you need any advice, guidance or support.
Carers lead
Our carers lead ensures that all our policies relating to carers and their needs are adhered to. You can contact Nicola Williams, carers lead, via the details below:
Email: nicola.williams118@nhs.net
Telephone: 01279 978817
Carer support advisor
You can also access support and advice from Carers First, an organisation who provide help and support for unpaid carers, via the contact details below:
During office hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm): Please speak to the ward manager for a referral to the carers’ support advisor.
Alternatively, you can call Jennie Beehan, carer support advisor, on 07904 303110, or call Carers First on 0300 3031555.
Out of hours: Please leave a message on the telephone numbers above or visit www.carersfirst.org.uk .
Admiral Nurse
Carers supporting patients affected by dementia can also access support and advice via Caroline Ashton-Gough, Admiral Nurse.
During office hours (Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm): Please call 01279 97 8777 or email caroline.ashton5@nhs.net .
Out of hours: Please leave a message on the telephone number above, or email caroline.ashton5@nhs.net. Please note, there is no Admiral Nurse cover when our Admiral Nurse is on annual leave.