Over the last year Great Western Hospital has been busy creating a brand new carer passport, which aims to aid in the support of all unpaid carers who walk through the doors. The hospital is now looking for carer feedback on how they can improve the scheme and offer the support unpaid carers really deserve.
The new passport is designed to;
- Support identification of carers. Staff will be asking about any caring responsibilities you may have, though you are also encouraged to let staff know that you are a carer.
- Explain the support the hospital service can offer you. Great Western understand that it is important to have additional support offered to unpaid carers, and have added benefits such as flexible visiting hours, and concessionary parking to their carer passport.
- Provide details of hospital benefits available to you. These benefits include café and restaurants discounts within the hospital, and the facilities to ensure carers are able to stay overnight with a patient if needed.
- Ensure you are included in the care of your loved one. Great Western aims to work with you as expert partners in care when your cared for is in hospital. This means having access to information and being included in decisions about immediate and ongoing care when appropriate.
- Signpost you to additional support. Each ward will have carer information packs that will help signpost to additional support available outside of the hospital. This may include advice on how to contact your local carer center, which charitable organizations can provide help in the weeks following a hospital visit, and information about accessing a carers assessment.
As the passport scheme is still in its infancy, Great Western need your help to improve, and tailor the scheme to what unpaid carers really need and want from a carers passport. To download the full document click here, and to get in touch with your thoughts please email Tania Currie at tania.currie1@nhs.net by 15th December.
