As part of its commitment to putting the patient first, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has launched its new Family Carers’ Passport scheme today (8 August) – an initiative designed to recognise the invaluable contribution carers make to support patients whilst staying in hospital.
A carer is anyone who helps to care for a friend or family member (usually unpaid) who due to illness, disability or a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. They can undertake a host of activities from helping someone to get dressed and washed, to doing daily tasks like shopping and cleaning.
Carers know and understand the people they care for so well that when it comes to that person staying in hospital they naturally become part of the wider care team.
The Family Carers’ Passport recognises this partnership approach and has been designed to support carers by:
- enabling staff to share details of care plans
- concessions such as discounted parking and refreshments in the Alexandra Restaurant
- unrestricted visiting times when appropriate
Issuing a Family Carers’ Passport is at the discretion of the ward/department manager and those eligible will be given details about how to apply.
Nicola Williams, carers lead at PAHT said: “We are delighted to launch our new Family Carers’ Passport initiative today, which recognises the important role carers play when supporting loved ones staying in hospital.
“Our clinical colleagues value the assistance carers give them on the wards and this new initiative will help to make them feel part of that wider team.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive said: “Carers make an invaluable contribution to patients in our care and this new initiative not only gives them that recognition but will enable our clinical teams to work much more closely with them.”
For further information about the support given to carers at PAHT, please visit www.pah.nhs.uk/carers .